Description: Kevin Carmichael: Generating economic growth from ideas instead of goods will require different policies than the ones with which we have become comfortable Source: FinancialPost.com Date: Nov 15, 2018 Link: https://business.financialpost.com/technology/it-will-take-much-bigger-thinking-if-canada-is-to-compete-with-giants-in-the-ideas-economy#comments-area Questions for discussion: What does the article say about the future vision for Canadian companies if GDP is to grow substantially? Do you… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Decision Making
Delay, Deny and Deflect: How Facebook’s Leaders Fought Through Crisis
Description: Sheryl Sandberg was seething. Inside Facebook’s Menlo Park, Calif., headquarters, top executives gathered in the glass-walled conference room of its founder, Mark Zuckerberg. Source: NYTimes.com Date: Nov 14, 2018 Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/14/technology/facebook-data-russia-election-racism.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the criticism aimed at the firm and its management in this report. Do you agree with the evaluation and… Read more »
PG&E has lost half its value this week as shareholders fear utility’s role in California wildfires
Description: PG&E’s stock has lost more than half its value this week as shareholders flee the utility amid concerns that its equipment may be partly responsible for the most destructive wildfire in California’s history. Source: CNBC.com Date: Nov 13, 2018 Link: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/15/pge-has-lost-half-its-value-as-shareholders-fear-its-role-in-ca-fire.html Questions for discussion: Why has the company stock value fallen? What does this scenario… Read more »
Facebook takes on LinkedIn as a career portal with e-learning, expanded mentorship and jobs features
Description: With the launch of a way for people to connect with each other in mentoring relationships, and to look for jobs, Facebook has over the last year or so slowly been encroaching on LinkedIn’s territory as the go-to platform for people who want to leverage their networks of contacts to expand their career prospects. Source: TechCrunch.com Date: Nov13,… Read more »
Google will take over part of DeepMind’s health business
Description: Alphabet is working to organize its many health projects. Source: Engadget.com Date: Nov 13, 2018 Link: https://www.engadget.com/2018/11/13/google-takes-over-deepmind-health/?yptr=yahoo Questions for discussion: Do you think these acquisitions are appropriate areas for future growth for Google? What does Google offer these firms that drives these deals?
How Magic Johnson convinced Howard Schultz to partner with him and build more Starbucks stores
Description: With five NBA Championships, an Olympic gold medal and various MVP awards to his name, Earvin “Magic” Johnson will go down as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. But the former Laker may be remembered for his business skills as well as his signature hook shot. Source: CNBC.com – video report… Read more »
Canada Goose steps into footwear, as global expansion hits Vancouver
Description: Canada Goose Holdings Inc. is slowly expanding beyond its parka roots, entering the footwear realm on Thursday with a $32.5 million acquisition that comes as it continues to grow its roster of flagship stores around the world. Source: FinancialPost.com Date: Nov 02, 2018 Link: https://business.financialpost.com/news/retail-marketing/canada-goose-steps-into-footwear-as-global-expansion-hits-vancouver Questions for discussion: What does the Canada Goose brand… Read more »
Now Is Not a Good Time to Skimp on Worker Training
Description: With unemployment near a record low, many businesses have no choice but to spend to upgrade employee skills. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Oct 26, 2018 Link: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-10-26/now-is-not-a-good-time-to-skimp-on-worker-training?srnd=businessweek-v2 Questions for discussion: What does the article say about training in different countries around the world? How should managers interpret the suggestions in this article?
The true cost of an iPhone over your lifetime: $300,000
Description: That’s how much you would make if you invested the money you spent on your smartphone from the age of 18 to 78 Source: MarketWatch.com Date: Nov 02, 2018 Link: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-true-cost-of-an-iphone-over-your-lifetime-300000-2018-11-01 Questions for discussion: Do you think consumers understand the “cost” of owning an iPhone in these terms? What is the value received from… Read more »
A Match Made in (Business) Heaven: Why Startups and Corporations Need Cooperation
Description: Competition breeds excellence, innovation, success — right? Well, not always, especially in the modern landscape of business. Source: Entrepreneur.com Date: Nov 02, 2018 Link: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/322213 Questions for discussion: Summarize the key points made in this article. How can synergy work for managers, according to the writer?