Volkwagen recently revealed an aggressive strategy to become the top automobile manufacturer in the world. Currently, the company is third behind Toyota and General Motors. Volkswagen executives believe they can sell 1 million vehicles per year by 2018, but industry analysts see the company selling considerably less even under the best projections. The company’s strategy… Read more »

This article provides a somewhat humorous, yet real, look at the effect of communication technology on human interactions. Volunteers at the Memorial Golf Tournament in Dublin, Ohio ask each spectator whether they have cellular telephones upon entrance to the course. PGA rules prohibit cell phones on courses during tournaments to prevent golfers from being distracted…. Read more »

When John Wooden died June 4, 2010 at the age of 99, the basketball community lost a living legend. As coach of the UCLA Bruins, Coach Wooden experienced unprecedented (and unduplicated) success. As a player, he won a national championship at Purdue University. He was a three-time All-American. As a coach, he won 10 national… Read more »

A recent poll shows Americans are gaining confidence about economic recovery, but still harbor much anger toward politicians. Many indicate they would prefer to elect individuals without experience in Congress in order to break free from the status quo. QUESTIONS: M1. Examine the Leader-Participation Model and the three rules for making decisions. How should these… Read more »

We typically think about control in terms of processes. However, control can apply to individual behavior by controlling (constraining) choices. In the case of Ivan Cantera, his mother’s choice of his high school left him in an environment with strict controls that ultimately ensured his success. For former girlfriend Laura Corro, the choice to go… Read more »

The 2010 Cincinnati Reds are surprising many observers of Major League Baseball. The Reds themselves are not surprised. After starting the season 7-10, the team rebounded to take sole possession of the National League Central Division ahead of the much-heralded St. Louis Cardinals (they are currently in second place). The team is accomplishing this without… Read more »

Continental Airlines and United Airlines plan to merge operations. While the business deal has yet to receive approval from the Justice Department and the Federal Aviation Administration, the two entities are already making plans for the transition. This includes developing interim structures and leadership to govern the transition process. QUESTIONS: Begin by reviewing the definitions… Read more »

Following a national election dominated by two parties, Conservatives and Labour, Britain’s Liberal Democrats are in a position to accomplish parts of their agenda if they align with the Conservatives to create a working majority in the House of Commons. The two parties do not always see eye to eye on issues, but recognize the… Read more »

During the extended leave of lead singer Natalie Maines, Dixie Chicks sisters Emily Robison and Martie Maguire got restless. Drawing on their childhood experiences, the two decided to form a new duo, Court Yard Hounds, to begin producing folk-pop music. QUESTIONS: What type of change led to the formation of Court Yard Hounds? What forces… Read more »

One thing is certain (beyond death and taxes), if you sit through enough of them, sooner or later you learn to hate performance appraisals. The article contends that it is time to put an end to performance appraisals because they are hopelessly flawed. After outlining the problems inherent in this process, the author suggests it… Read more »