Description: The factory, which currently makes battery packs and electric motors for the Model 3, will eventually be the biggest building in the world–with the world’s largest rooftop solar array. Source: FastCompany.com Date: Apr 15, 2019 Link: https://www.fastcompany.com/90334858/inside-teslas-100-renewable-design-for-the-gigafactory?utm_source=postup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Fast%20Company%20Daily&position=1&partner=newsletter&campaign_date=04162019 Questions for discussion: How has Tesla designed for sustainability at the plant? Do you think that by… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Global Management
Kristen Bell and Her Cofounders Built a Company to Save Lives. But Growing It Wasn’t So Simple.
Description: With an entrepreneurial can-do mindset, the four Hollywood vets have built a business with soaring sales and global impact. Source: Entrepreneur.com Date: Apr 09, 2019 Link: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/331237 Questions for discussion: Summarize the strategic decisions made to develop the company. How would this story be different if it was managed as a for-profit start-up? How… Read more »
You can’t take anything home from Ikea’s new store
Description: The company’s first Manhattan store is nothing like any Ikea you’ve ever been to. Source: FastCompany.com Date: Apr 10, 2019 Link: https://www.fastcompany.com/90332083/i-went-to-ikeas-first-small-store-and-it-answered-all-my-prayers?utm_source=postup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Fast%20Company%20Daily&position=6&partner=newsletter&campaign_date=04112019 Questions for discussion: Explain the change in thinking – by management and customers – that has led to this store design. Should Ikea develop this concept at its suburban stores as well?
This new technical fabric replaces polyester with banana plants
Description: The abacá plant grows without needing lots of water or pesticides, helps stop erosion, and is now being used to replace fossil fuels in clothes. Source: FastCompany.com Date: Apr 12, 2019 Link: https://www.fastcompany.com/90333645/this-new-technical-fabric-replaces-polyester-with-banana-plants?utm_source=postup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Fast%20Company%20Daily&position=7&partner=newsletter&campaign_date=04122019 Questions for discussion: What are the major attributes that differentiate this new product? How should managers market this new product so… Read more »
Facebook sets its sights on housing. Should Zillow be worried?
Description: Americans may start to become more ‘social’ in the way they shop for homes, one analyst thinks Source: MarketWatch.com Date: Apr 03, 2019 Link: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/facebook-sets-its-sights-on-housing-should-zillow-be-worried-2019-04-03?mod=mw_theo_homepage Questions for discussion: What are the competitive advantages favoring Facebook in the real estate business? Do you think consumers will respond to Facebook advertising for housing? Explain.
GE bets on offshore wind as fossil fuels business stumbles
Description: New York (CNN Business)General Electric is a tiny player in the booming offshore wind market. But that will change soon — and it needs to, if the company wants to outgrow its exposure to fossil fuels. One major investment that illustrates GE’s interest: The Haliade-X, the world’s largest and most powerful offshore wind turbine. Source: CNNMoney.com –… Read more »
Inside Ikea’s plan to reinvent itself as a circular company
Description: From rental furniture to modular couches, the company is finding more and more ways to limit its use of raw materials. Source: FastCompany.com Date: Apr 03, 2019 Link: https://www.fastcompany.com/90328244/inside-ikeas-plan-to-reinvent-itself-as-a-circular-company Questions for discussion: What is driving the new business model? What are the constraints the company will have to deal with? Do you think the… Read more »
YouTube Executives Ignored Warnings, Letting Toxic Videos Run Rampant
Description: Proposals to change recommendations and curb conspiracies were sacrificed for engagement, staff say. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Apr 02, 2019 Link: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2019-04-02/youtube-executives-ignored-warnings-letting-toxic-videos-run-rampant Questions for discussion: Summarize the key points made in this report related to the way management dealt with this issue. What would you advise, going forward?
McDonald’s will no longer lobby against minimum wage hikes
Description: McDonald’s will no longer take part in efforts to lobby against raising the minimum wage at the federal, state or local level, the fast-food giant told the National Restaurant Association Tuesday. Source: CNBC.com Date: Mar 27, 2019 Link: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/27/mcdonalds-reportedly-to-stop-lobbying-against-minimum-wage-hikes.html?__source=iosappshare%7Ccom.apple.UIKit.activity.Mail Questions for discussion: What does this decision mean for the firm and the industry at large?… Read more »
Everything you need to know about the Apple credit card, TV Plus and news subscription launch
Description: Apple has today unveiled its secretive, decade-long effort to build a TV subscription service that will rival the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime. Source: Telegraph.co.uk – video report Date: Mar 26, 2019 Link: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2019/03/26/everything-need-know-apple-credit-card-tv-plus-news-subscription/ Questions for discussion: What are the competitive advantages for Apple in these markets? How well do you think Apple will be… Read more »
