Description: On Monday November 2, 2015, HP—valued at $50 billion—will split in two equally sized companies. The split is the latest rehabilitation effort to turnaround the company. However, this strategy is in contrast to the consolidation strategy prevalent in the IT sector Source: Financial Times Date: November 01, 2015 Video and Text Link: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/222a9a40-7f22-11e5-98fb-5a6d4728f74e.html#axzz3qHsXxPJR Questions for Discussion:… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Change
The turnaround of Cirque du Soleil
Description: After several years of poor performances that resulted in substantial layoffs in 2013, Cirque du Soleil has rebounded admirably. It has had a fantastic 2015 thus far—breaking its previous sales records. Source: Canadian Business Date: October 13, 2015 Text Link: http://www.canadianbusiness.com/innovation/cirque-du-soleil-second-act/ Questions for Discussion: Discuss how Cirque du Soleil originated and became successful? What… Read more »
Adopting cleaner cars: How can governments help?
Description: Should governments play a pivotal role in moving people to greener products? Norway sets an example of how governments can positively encourage its people to switch from gasoline and diesel cars to environmentally cleaner electrical cars. Source: The New York Times Date: October 16, 2015 Text Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/17/business/international/norway-is-global-model-for-encouraging-sales-of-electric-cars.html?ref=business Questions for Discussion: Discuss how Norway… Read more »
Volkswagen: From socially responsible to a social outcast
Description: Volkswagen represents an interesting case. It spent $77 million advertising its clean and environmentally friendly diesel engine in the American market, while its engineers were rigging these engines with software that tricked emission tests – a case of “greenwashing” the consumers. Source: The New York Times Date: October 17, 2015 Text Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/18/business/energy-environment/social-responsibility-that-rubs-right-off.html?ref=business&_r=0 Questions… Read more »
How can the price of a drug jump 2,000%?
Description: The price of a critical Tuberculosis drug shot up by 2,000% overnight—it seems this jump was for no apparent reason. This has alarmed the medical circle. Source: CBC Date: September 21, 2015 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2675886765/?page=2 Questions for Discussion: Why did the Tuberculosis drug price shoot up by 2,000%? What role should the government play… Read more »
Nokia prepares for mobile comeback
Description: Nokia, once the leading maker of mobile phones, had abandoned the mobile phone business in 2013 after selling its handset business to Microsoft; however, Nokia’s CEO, Rajeev Suri, indicated that Nokia may well be planning a comeback. Source: BNN Date: August 10, 2015 Text Link: http://www.bnn.ca/News/2015/8/10/Back-to-the-future-Nokia-prepares-for-mobile-comeback.aspx Questions for Discussion: Why did Nokia exit the… Read more »
Should Canada rebrand itself in the wake of the oil crisis?
Description: Energy has been Canada’s leading export merchandise; at least till recently, when auto sales topped the export numbers. In the wake of the oil slump, should Canada refocus on other strategic industries or skillsets to remain competitive in the global market? Source: The Globe and Mail Date: September 11, 2015 Text Link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/rebranding-the-canadian-economy-in-the-wake-of-the-oil-slump/article26340860/ Questions… Read more »
Microsoft launches Windows 10
Description: Microsoft launched its newest operating software – Windows 10. Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella, hopes that this will be the most loved version of Windows. Source: CBC Date: July 29, 2015 Video Link:http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2672726173/ Questions for Discussion: What significance does Windows 10 have for Microsoft? Discuss the problems with Windows 8 and does Windows 10 overcome… Read more »
TV cable viewership on the decline
Description: With viewers increasingly opting for streaming online content, the sale of cable to Canadian households have dropped substantially. Source: CBC Date: July 27, 2015 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2672532144/ Questions for Discussion: Discuss the factors causing the drop in Cable sales. What benefits do online streaming offer to viewers? What are potential drawbacks of online streaming?
WestJet face union concerns
Description: WestJet was often exemplified as culturally more vibrant than Air Canada; it also had no unions and employees had ownership rights over the fortune of its company. However, recently, a group of WestJet pilots have applied to unionize. This could mean a significant transformation in WestJet’s organizational culture. Source: Financial Post Date: June 26,… Read more »
