Ernesto Sirolli: Want to help someone? Shut up and listen!

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

Description: When most well-intentioned aid workers hear of a problem they think they can fix, they go to work. This, Ernesto Sirolli suggests, is naïve. In this funny and impassioned talk, he proposes that the first step is to listen to the people you’re trying to help, and tap into their own entrepreneurial spirit. His… Read more »

The Game of Business

Posted by & filed under Management, Organizational Behavior.

Description:  Ever watch gamers thumbing away at Fruit Ninja, World of Warcraft, or Angry Birds? They’re totally absorbed in the moment. What are they playing for? The personal satisfaction of reaching a new expert level or using a magical sword to slay imaginary monsters? Don’t scoff: The video game business is a $70 billion industry…. Read more »

Why Can’t Walmart Be More Like Costco?

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

Description:  Because they’re really very different Source: The DailyBeast.com Date: Nov 26, 2012 Link:  http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/11/26/why-can-t-walmart-be-more-like-costco.html Questions for Discussions: Summarize the comparison between the operations of Walmart and Costco. Are Costco employees more productive? Should Walmart try to become more like Costco? What would change, if anything at either of these retailers?  

Get paid to play video games

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

Description: A video game designer at Riot Games in Los Angeles explains what his job entails and how he landed his dream gig. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Nov 01, 2012 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/pf/2012/11/01/pf-video-game-designer-best-jobs.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: How would you write the job description for a game designer? What criteria would you think an HR… Read more »

As New York City Marathon Sponsor, ING Comes Under Fire

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

Description:  ING’s (ING) sponsorship of the New York City Marathon turned into a branding disaster this week as a divided city debated whether the city should hold the ING New York City Marathon on Sunday. Source: Businessweek.com Date: Nov 02, 2012 Link:  http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-11-02/as-sponsor-of-new-york-city-marathon-ing-comes-under-fire#r=hpt-lst Questions for Discussions: What are the public relations lessons to be learned… Read more »

Is Apple starting to unravel without Jobs?

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

Description:  Apple Inc.’s shares are now down nearly 15% since they briefly passed the $700 mark in mid-September. Source:  Marketwatch.com Date: Nov 01, 2012 Link:  http://www.marketwatch.com/story/is-apple-starting-to-unravel-without-jobs-2012-11-01?siteid=nwtwk Questions for Discussions: What does this report suggest is the reason for Apple’s stock performance? Do you agree with this assessment? Do you see a managerial solution or is… Read more »

Airbnb, Coursera, and Uber: The Rise of the Disruption Economy

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

Description: Uber is being threatened by the taxi industry, Aereo by the TV broadcasting industry, and Airbnb by the hotel industry. … Of course, regulations that truly protect the public interest are necessary. But many regulations are created by incumbents to protect their market position. To try new things, entrepreneurs need to find a back… Read more »

Citi Chairman Is Said to Have Planned Chief’s Exit Over Months

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

Description:  Vikram Pandit’s last day at Citigroup swung from celebratory to devastating in a matter of minutes. Having fielded congratulatory e-mails about the earnings report in the morning that suggested the bank was finally on more solid ground, Mr. Pandit strode into the office of the chairman at day’s end on Oct. 15 for what… Read more »

Models on Abercrombie Jet Had Rules on Proper Underwear

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

Description:  The actors and models who worked on an Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (ANF) Gulfstream G550 jet had crystal-clear rules for serving Chief Executive Officer Michael Jeffries. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Oct 18, 2012 Link:  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-10-18/models-on-abercrombie-jet-had-rules-on-proper-underwear.html Questions for Discussions: Describe the affect this publicity might have on the firm’s management. Why would the firm’s management indulge… Read more »