Robot bartender mixes it up

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Description: Monsieur – the ‘robotic bartender’ – is an Android powered device that mixes quality cocktails at the swipe of a screen. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Oct 01, 2013 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2013/10/01/t-ts-monsieur-robot-bartender.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: Do you think there is a market for this product? Who is the customer? What strategy would you envision… Read more »

Why productivity increased during the downturn

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Description: FORTUNE — If you’re a manager in a locale where unemployment skyrocketed during the recession, you might already have noticed something you didn’t expect: The people under you who contributed the least in boom times suddenly started bringing their “A” game, in some cases even outshining your stars. Source: Fortune.com Date: Oct 03, 2013… Read more »

Do You Want Wine With Those Fries?

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Description: Who says Big Macs can’t be gourmet? That’s the message McDonald’s pushed at a fancy invitation-only event last week. Abby Haglage on the charm offensive—and why it’s such a tough sell. Source: TheDailyBeast.com Date: Oct 01, 2013 Link: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/10/01/do-you-want-wine-with-those-fries.html Questions for Discussions: Summarize the PR strategy and intended goals envisioned by management at McDonald’s?… Read more »

Exclusive: Time for Gates to go, some top Microsoft investors tell board

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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 »

Why Home Depot focuses on employees

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 »