Description: Tech Stars provides a crash course in how to start and grow a business idea. These business accelerators are seen as an alternative to traditional college education for budding entrepreneurs. Source: A. Jordan, “Boot Camp or Bust? A Young Entrepreneur Tries to Make His Mark,” Wall Street Journal Date: December 8, 2011 Article Link:… Read more »

Description: Forecasts for corn harvests and stockpiles by the U.S. Department of Agriculture have been increasingly inaccurate over the past two years. This makes it difficult to predict prices and determine whether and how much to plant. Source: L. Pleven & T. McGinty, “Faulty Forecasts Roil Corn Market,” Wall Street Journal Date: December 5, 2011… Read more »

Description: Video interviews with a variety of Minnesota residents reveals general advantages and disadvantages of today’s technologies. Source: J. Graham, “Most Say Technology Has Improved Our Lives,” USA Today Date: December 2, 2011 Article Link: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/talkingyourtech/story/2011-12-01/how-has-technology-improved-lives/51582432/1 Questions for discussion: Look at the definition for technology. Discuss the ways technology changes over time and how these… Read more »

Description: The drawbacks of digital technology are discussed. Digital natives seem to have different ideas about what is and is not appropriate in today’s workplace than do digital immigrants. Source: Wall Street Journal Online Date: December 2, 2011 Questions for discussion: Discuss the implications for communication effectiveness and efficiency between today’s popular media (e.g., texting,… Read more »

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 »