Robots Work Their Way Into Small Factories

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

Description: Robots aren’t just for the big guys anymore. A new breed of so-called collaborative machines—designed to work alongside people in close settings—is changing the way some of America’s smaller manufacturers do their jobs

Source: WSJ.com

Date: Sep 17, 2014

Link: http://online.wsj.com/articles/robots-work-their-way-into-small-factories-1410979100

Questions for Discussions:

  • How have robots improved productivity, as illustrated in the report?
  • Should government interfere with the adoption of robotics in the manufacturing environment?
  • Who will be buying robots in the near future?

The Government Keeps Helping People Buy Failing Cold Stone Creamerys

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

Description: Would you loan someone money to buy a Cold Stone Creamery franchise if you knew that more than a quarter of those loans default? If you’re the U.S. government, the answer is yes.

Source: Businessweek.com

Date: Sep 16, 2014

Link: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-09-16/franchises-the-government-keeps-helping-people-buy-failing-brands#r=nav-fst

Questions for Discussions:

  • Why do you suppose the SBA loans continue to be made?
  • Why would entrepreneurs participate in such risky franchise setups?

Kids playing with toys shows Wal-Mart what to order

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

Description: For any major retailer, nailing the right holiday season product inventory is essential. That’s why Wal-Mart turns to kids between 18 months and 12-years old. Today, the big-box giant releases the results of its “Chosen By Kids” survey. Bloomberg’s Julie Hyman went to Dallas to see what the kids liked best.

Source: Bloomberg.com – video report

Date: Sep 10, 2014

Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/video/best-toys-for-christmas-wal-mart-s-chosen-by-kids-event-JaklIEm5RUWf~9Jyrj8c1g.html

Questions for Discussions:

  • What does this report suggest about the importance of the customer-management relationship?
  • Why is this sort of research superior to following Wal-Mart’s buyers’ opinions?

Apple Watch is Here: Why Apple’s big bet is a big deal

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

Description: Now that Apple has entered the watch market with the Apple Watch, Bloomberg’s Sam Grobart takes a look at two things: the current state of play in smartwatches and whose world gets upended if Apple’s bet pays off.(Source: Bloomberg)

Source: Bloomberg.com – video report

Date: Sep 09, 2014

Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/video/apple-watch-what-it-means-for-wearables-and-watchmakers-lkbm4f2lTTSMPp5T23Nfvw.html

Questions for Discussions:

  • Summarize the strategic possibilities available to Apple management as the Apple Watch product category moves ahead.
  • Would you seek partnerships with other businesses such as sports equipment manufacturers?
  • How would you structure teams to collaborate with other business partners?

A Hedge Fund’s 294-Page Recipe for Fixing Olive Garden

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

Description: Olive Garden doesn’t know how to cook pasta, soaks its salads in too much dressing, dumps sauce haphazardly atop its dishes, forgets to sell wine, and has strayed far from its Italian roots with dishes no one in Italy would touch. And that’s how the slumping restaurant chain is seen by people who dearly want to see it flourish.

Source: Businessweek.com

Date: Sep 12, 2014

Link: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-09-12/how-to-fix-olive-garden-a-hedge-funds-294-page-recipe-for-darden#r=hp-ls

Questions for Discussions:

  • Describe the problems at Olive Garden from an operational management perspective.
  • Do you think current management will heed this advice?

Skills Gap Bumps Up Against Vocational Taboo

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

Description: Federal, State Governments Push Apprentice Programs, but Find Few Domestic Takers

Source: WSJ.com

Date: Sep 05, 2014

Link: http://online.wsj.com/articles/skills-gap-bumps-up-against-vocational-taboo-1410473392?mod=WSJ_hpp_sections_business

Questions for Discussions:

  • What does this report say about the effort to establish apprenticeship programs?
  • Why do you think more managers are not getting on board this initiative?
  • How can incentives be used to increase participation?

Food trucks and college business majors: A most delicious match

Posted by & filed under Management, Organizational Behavior.

Description: Entrepreneurial undergraduate business students across the country are increasingly trying to break into the crowded market, whipping up cheesy potato latke sandwiches, waffles, burgers, and everything in between.

Source: Fortune.com

Date: Sep 10, 2014

Link: http://fortune.com/2014/09/10/food-truck-business-majors/

Questions for Discussions:

  • Why do you suppose these entrepreneurs chose their respective businesses?
  • Which business seems to be the most demanding?
  • Do you think university studies improve the chances for success?

CVS CEO: Tobacco an obstacle to health care

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

Description: Newly re-branded as CVS Health, the pharmacy chain has rid its shelves of tobacco products. Cristina Alesci talks with CEO Larry Merlo.

Source: CNNMoney.com – video report

Date: Sep 03, 2014

Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2014/09/03/cvs-ceo-on-tobacco-free-stores.cnnmoney/index.html

Questions for Discussions:

  • Is this decision by CVS an example of good corporate social responsibility?
  • Strategically, how can CVS expand its consumer heath services business?

Lego’s domination, brick by brick

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

Description: Lego’s Chief Financial Officer explains how movie franchises and new markets have helped Lego become the world’s biggest toymaker.

Source: CNNMoney.com – video report

Date: Sep 04, 2014

Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2014/09/04/lego-world-dominatin-brick-by-brick.cnnmoney/index.html

Questions for Discussions:

  • How is Lego able to leverage itself as a global toy maker?
  • Where is the growth for this firm?
  • Should Lego partner with other firms?

Starbucks to test new store designs

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

Description: Starbucks announced it will introduce two types of retail locations. An upscale roastery and tasting room for its rare Starbucks Reserve line, and smaller, alternative stores for speed and convenience.

Source: Fortune.com

Date: Sep 05, 2014

Link: http://for.tn/WmfXTc

Questions for Discussions:

  • Describe and explain Starbucks’ new strategies.
  • Do you think they will resonate with consumers?
  • What other industries think of customers in similar terms?