Description: CEO Gregory Rayburn says there’s plenty of blame to go around but the baker’s union strike was the final straw in Hostess’ downfall.

Source: CNNMoney.com – video report

Date: Nov 16, 2012

Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2012/11/16/n-hostess-ceo-twinkies.cnnmoney/

Questions for Discussions:

• Why did Hostess close down, according to CEO Gregory Rayburn?

• Do you think there are other reasons?

• How would you re-organize operations?

Description:  Hostess Brands Inc., the maker of iconic treats such as Twinkies and traditional pantry staple Wonder Bread, said Friday it is shuttering its plants and firing about 18,000 workers as it seeks to liquidate the 82-year-old business.

Source:  WSJ.com

Date: Nov 16, 2012

Link:  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324556304578122632560842670.html

Questions for Discussions:

• Summarize the reasons for the demise of the firm?

• Is there a restructuring solution that would allow the organization to continue in business?

• What are the operational management issues that the firm would need to deal with, should it re-launch?

Description: Randi Zuckerberg, Mark’s sister, talks about her Bravo reality series, ‘Start-ups: Silicon Valley’ and why tech is so hot right now.

Source: CNNMoney.com – video report

Date: Nov 09, 2012

Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2012/11/09/t-zuckerberg-reality-show.cnnmoney/

Questions for Discussions:

• Who do you suppose these programs will draw for an audience?

• Do you think watching these sorts of programs would provide insight to the way entrepreneurs think and perhaps why they have succeeded?

Description: How Mattel’s Hot Wheels turns their beloved children’s toys into a real car capable of death-defying stunts.

Source: CNNMoney.com – video report

Date: Nov 07, 2012

Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/pf/2012/11/06/pf-how-hot-wheels-are-made.cnnmoney/

Questions for Discussions:

• Describe the Hot Wheels design process.

• How important is the ability to create a real car at the end of the process?

• How can the real car be used for promotion and inspiration of new designs?

Description:  There was an outcry last year when some retailers opened at midnight on Thanksgiving, with workers and shoppers saying the holiday should be reserved for family, not spent lining up for the start of the Christmas shopping season.

Source:  NYTimes.com

Date: Nov 09, 2012

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/10/business/make-room-for-deals-after-turkey-this-year.html?ref=business

Questions for Discussions:

• What does this article have to say about shopping behavior?

• What is the message to managers of retail outlets?

Description:  Google Ventures announced in a tweet yesterday it has increased its fund by 50 percent to $300 million a year and plans to invest $1.5 billion in startups through 2017.

Source: Smartplanet.com

Date: Nov 09, 2012

Link:  http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/bulletin/google-ventures-ups-fund-to-300m-a-year/5174?tag=header;header-sec

Questions for Discussions:

• Explain the rationale for Google’s Venture fund?

• What primary benefit can Google receive following a successful start-up?

• Evaluate the risks for Google?

Description:  Asking for a million-dollar salary in jest can actually increase your pay package, according to a recent study. Here’s how.

Source:  Fortune.com

Date: Nov 09, 2012

Link: http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2012/11/09/salary-negotiation/?iid=SF_F_River

Questions for Discussions:

• What does this study suggest about the psychological influences on salary negotiations?

• Are you surprised by the results?

• Do you think they would apply across all job descriptions?

• How should HR managers react to this information?