Description: Canada plans to scrap a major IBM federal payroll plan that created chaos for thousands of government workers and will have cost the government almost $1 billion by the time it’s over. Source: BNN.ca Date: Mar 01, 2018 Link: https://www.bnn.ca/ottawa-to-scrap-ibm-payroll-plan-gone-awry-costing-1-billion-1.1014734 Questions for discussion: What lessons are to be learned from this fiasco by managers at… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Decision Making
Best Buy says goodbye to mobile phone stores
Description: NEW YORK— Best Buy (BBY) is shuttering all 250 of its small-format mobile phone stores in the U.S., saying the locations have become less profitable. Source: CBS.com – video report Date: Mar 01, 2018 Link: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/best-buy-says-goodbye-to-mobile-phone-stores/ Questions for discussion: Why is management taking this action? How have consumer buying behaviors changed since these stores… Read more »
Putting Green in the Tea Party, She Crusades for Clean Power
Description: LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — Debbie Dooley’s conservative profile seems impeccable. The gun-owning daughter of a Baptist preacher, she was an early organizer for the Tea Party movement. She voted for President Trump and still supports him. Source: NYTimes.com Date: Feb 28, 2018 Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/28/business/energy-environment/debbie-dooley-energy.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fbusiness&action=click&contentCollection=business®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront Questions for discussion: Summarize the business and economic details presented in… Read more »
Gun maker stocks fall after Dick’s Sporting Goods takes a stand
Description: Smith & Wesson parent American Outdoor Brands stock falls to near 5-year low, Sturm, Ruger shares hit 3-year low Source: MarketWatch.com Date: Feb 28, 2018 Link: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/gun-maker-stocks-fall-after-dicks-sporting-goods-takes-a-stand-2018-02-28 Questions for discussion: What impact has Dick’s Sporting Goods decision had on investor’s thinking? Do you think other retailers will simply pick up more sales? How should… Read more »
Spotify IPO filing reveals how insanely complicated it is to license music rights
Description: Spotify wants to sell stock to investors — but first it will need to convince them it’s worth buying in to the complex process of selling music. Source: CNBC.com Date: Feb 28, 2018 Link: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/28/how-spotify-licenses-and-pays-for-music-rights.html Questions for discussion: Do you think the way in which the firm pays for content will affect the way… Read more »
Just how shallow is the artificial intelligence talent pool?
Description: It might be 10,000 or it might be 300,000. Whichever, ‘the talent shortage is real’ and the only solution is for universities and governments to fund more training Source: FinancialPost.com Date: Feb 07, 2018 Link: http://business.financialpost.com/entrepreneur/fp-innovators/just-how-shallow-is-the-artificial-intelligence-talent-pool Questions for discussion: Why is it important for HR managers to know the numbers of skilled AI engineers?… Read more »
Snap CEO snags a $637 million bonus
Description: CNBC’s Julia Boorstin reports on Snap CEO Evan Spiegel’s massive bonus following the company’s IPO last year. Snap CEO snags a $637 million bonus from CNBC. Source: CNBC.com – video report Date: Feb 23, 2018 Link: https://www.cnbc.com/video/2018/02/23/snap-ceo-snags-a-637-million-bonus.html Questions for discussion: Why do you suppose investors would buy shares in a company in which they… Read more »
Starbucks Is Shrinking Its Selection (and So Are Your Other Favorite Stores)
Description: Coming soon to a Starbucks near you: Less variety. Expect to see a narrower assortment of products in the main area of your local coffee chain outpost sometime soon this year. Source: Forbes.com Date: Feb 24, 2018 Link: http://fortune.com/2018/02/24/starbucks-merchandise-stores/ Questions for discussion: Why is Starbucks reducing variety? How might this decision impact customer behavior? Do you… Read more »
SPOS #606 – Become A Superconnector With Scott Gerber
Description: Here it is: Six Pixels Of Separation – The Mirum Podcast – Episode #606 – Host: Mitch Joel. Everywhere I look, I see the book Superconnector. Online, in bookstores at the airport. Source: Sixpixels.mirumagency.com Date: Feb 24, 2018 Link: http://sixpixels.mirumagency.com/podcast/archives/spos-606—become-a-superconnector-with-scott-gerber/ Questions for discussion: What is the key lesson you took away from this discussion? Why are relationships… Read more »
Boeing Is Killing It by Squeezing Its Suppliers
Description: Under CEO Dennis Muilenburg, the industrial giant has turned unapologetically hard-nosed. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Feb 14, 2018 Link: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2018-02-14/boeing-is-killing-it-by-squeezing-its-suppliers Questions for discussion: How has Boeing’s strategic management changed, according to the article? Do you think this way of doing business is sustainable?
