Snapchat, How Quickly You Have Grown

Posted by & filed under Management, Organizational Behavior.

Description: While some might have been shocked this week by the multi-billion dollar offers the start-up Snapchat turned down, I found something else entirely perplexing about the valuation of this little company: just how quickly it grew. Source: NYTimes.com Date: Nov 15, 2013 Link: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/11/15/from-university-class-project-to-billion-dollar-valuation/?ref=business Questions for Discussions: What does this article have to say… Read more »

Fast-Food Chains Inch Toward Healthiness

Posted by & filed under International Business, Management, Organizational Behavior.

Description: Going cold turkey is hard—especially if it means denying yourself a 730-calorie frozen caramel coffee Coolatta or an 840-calorie steak and cheese sandwich. That’s why restaurants are getting Americans off unhealthy food gradually. Source: Businessweek.com Date: Nov 14, 2013 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-11-14/2014-outlook-fast-food-chains-inch-toward-healthiness#r=hpt-ls Questions for Discussions: How are fast food retailers dealing with the movement toward… Read more »

Lululemon Ripped For ‘Alienating The Customer’ As Stock Tumbles

Posted by & filed under International Business, Management, Organizational Behavior.

Description: Lululemon’s repeated missteps are taking a toll. The yoga-wear retailer is both alienating current customers and “making it tough” to get new ones, an analyst at Sterne Agee, Sam Poser, wrote in a note to clients on Thursday. Poser downgraded the company’s stock and sent Lululemon shares downhill 4 percent to $66.24 on Thursday… Read more »

Blockbuster: Killed by Netflix

Posted by & filed under International Business, Management, Organizational Behavior.

Description: Blockbuster’s announcement that it will close its remaining 300 video stores in the U.S. is a reminder that Netflix and other streaming sites have changed consumer habits. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Nov 01, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2013/11/08/n-end-of-blockbuster.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: What is the common theme presented in this report that should concern all… Read more »

Toms’ new marketplace: More than just shoes

Posted by & filed under International Business, Management, Organizational Behavior.

Description: Entrepreneur Blake Mycoskie discusses Toms Shoes’ ‘One for One’ program which gives free shoes to a poor children for every pair sold at retail and the company’s new digital marketplace. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Nov 08, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2013/11/08/n-toms-shoes-blake-mycoskie.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: Describe the new business model? What are the critical characteristics… Read more »

Taking the business case for wellness programs beyond anecdote

Posted by & filed under International Business, Management, Organizational Behavior.

Description: Mary Lui is a seasoned accountant who has worked as a manager in various capacities for a number of fast-paced, forward-thinking organizations. Though she loves her job, she also notes that it can be demanding and can place undue stress on her health and lifestyle. Source: FinancialPost.com Date: Nov 07, 2013 Link: http://business.financialpost.com/2013/10/02/taking-the-business-case-for-wellness-programs-beyond-anecdote/ Questions… Read more »

Lululemon Lab designers push the boundaries

Posted by & filed under International Business, Management, Organizational Behavior.

Description: It’s part store, part factory, and part design studio where shoppers flick through racks of clothes next to a designer quietly sketching at a table. Source: GlobalNews.ca Date: Nov 08, 2013 Link: http://globalnews.ca/news/955533/lululemon-lab-designers-push-the-boundaries/ Questions for Discussions: Describe the operations at this location. What are the benefits for product development? What are other benefits accrue… Read more »

Container Store keeps employees happy

Posted by & filed under International Business, Management, Organizational Behavior.

Description: The Container Store thrives as a public company and their employees will benefit as CEO Kip Tindell says about 40% of employees own stock. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Nov 01, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2013/11/01/investing-container-store-ceo-ipo-employees.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: How does management differ at The Container Store? How important do you think stock ownership is… Read more »

Wal-Mart: We’re proud of our jobs

Posted by & filed under International Business, Management, Organizational Behavior.

Description: Wal-Mart U.S. CEO Bill Simon talks about his company’s plans to promote 25,000 workers and defends its labor practices. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Oct 29, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2013/10/29/n-walmart-promotion-bill-simon.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: Do you think Wal-Mart employees are treated fairly by management? Why do you suppose the company stands out for criticism in… Read more »