Look out Lululemon, this exploding Australian fitness brand aims to eat your lunch

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

Description: An activewear brand with a cult following in Australia is planning a massive global expansion in the U.S., Asia and Europe. Source: NationalPost.com Date: May 29, 2014 Link: http://business.financialpost.com/2014/05/29/look-out-lululemon-this-exploding-australian-fitness-brand-aims-to-eat-your-lunch/ Questions for Discussions: How does this report reflect growing globalization and international business? How should managers approach the challenge? Does the home country of a… Read more »

What the heck is going on with GM?

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

Description: General Motors has now set a company record with the number of vehicles recalled in a single year. But will it cost the auto giant sales or the new CEO her job? Source: CNN.com – video report Date: May 22, 2014 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2014/05/22/gm-recall-hits-record.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: How does the report answer the question posed… Read more »

Sears is in serious trouble

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

Description: Sears used to be an American retail icon. Ditto for Sears-owned Kmart. But with sales plunging and losses mounting, the only thing left for Sears to do is sell assets and close stores. That’s not a reason to buy the stock. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: May 15, 2014 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2014/05/14/investing-the-buzz-sears-kmart-retailer-eddie-lampert.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for… Read more »

Social Not a Big Help to Ecommerce

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

Description: Ecommerce traffic and sales as a result of social networks extremely low Source: eMarketer.com Date: May 15, 2014 Link: http://www.emarketer.com/Article/Social-Not-Big-Help-Ecommerce/1010841/3#sthash.FgYkDA67.dpuf Questions for discussion: What does the report say about the value of social media for ecommerce sales? Why do you think the numbers are so low? Does this suggest that ecommerce managers should rethink… Read more »

How to get your products on Whole Foods shelves

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

Description: Barry Turner, co-founder and CEO of Lenny & Larry’s, discusses the company’s organic foods and expansion plans with Pimm Fox on Bloomberg Television’s “Taking Stock.” (Source: Bloomberg) Source: Businessweek.com – video report Date: May 06, 2014 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/videos/2014-05-06/from-american-gladiator-to-organic-food-co-founder#r=nav-f-video Questions for Discussions: How important is Barry Turner’s identity as a body builder for the success… Read more »

For NBC, a bet on the Olympics is anything but a game

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

Description: The network’s extension through 2032 has media outlets gaping at the scope of this big gamble on the future of the Games. But the deal is anything but surprising. Source: Fortune.com Date: May 09, 2014 Link: http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2014/05/09/for-nbc-a-bet-on-the-olympics-is-anything-but-a-game/?iid=SF_F_River Questions for discussion: According to the report, what motivated NBC management to make this deal? What are… Read more »

US Mobile Users Turn to Smartphones, Tablets to Redeem Coupons

Posted by & filed under International Business, Management.

Description: More than 70% of digital coupon users will use a mobile device to redeem a discount in 2014 Source: eMarketer.com Date: May 02, 2014 Link: http://www.emarketer.com/Article/US-Mobile-Users-Turn-Smartphones-Tablets-Redeem-Coupons/1010801/3#sthash.dgenTtF0.dpuf Questions for Discussions: What does this report suggest to marketing managers concerned with their coupon strategy? Do you think this trend in behavior will continue? What opportunities are presented… Read more »

Privacy Fears Over Student Data Tracking Lead to InBloom’s Shutdown

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

Description: A year ago, every public school student in New York State fell under the watchful eye of InBloom, a data analytics company. Schools sent the company an enormous batch of data spanning 400-odd fields that included a wide range of personal details, from test scores and special-education enrollment to whether kids got free lunches…. Read more »

Blue Bottle Coffee and the Next Wave of Artisanal Coffee Shops

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

Description: This is going to be pleasant. We are going to talk about philosophy and classical music. We are going to appreciate things. I know this before I even see Blue Bottle Coffee founder James Freeman approach in his cardigan, tie, and glasses, a neat puff of gray hair bobbing professorially, looking like the guy… Read more »