Description: Target’s success in the U.S. has not yet translated to Canada; in fact, they have suffered huge losses in Canada. As a result, Target appointed a new person to revive its falling fortunes in Canada. Source: CBC Date: May 20, 2014 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2458548998/?page=2 Questions for Discussion: What prompted Target to enter Canada in the… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Change
3D Printing Revolution
Description: 3D printing is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry with applications across multiple products and industries. It’s one of fastest growing global industry. Source: CBC Date: May 14, 2014 Video Link:http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2456873165/ Questions for Discussion: Discuss some applications of 3D printing in the health industry? What are some of the challenges that 3D printing faces? Which kind… Read more »
CBC to cut 657 jobs and $130 million from its budget
Description: After losing the right to “Hockey Night in Canada” to Rogers Media last year, CBC’s president, Hubert Lacroix, recently announced that CBC will slash 657 full-time positions over two years, shave $130 million from its 2014-15 budget, and will no longer pursue sports broadcasting rights. Source: Canadian Business Date: April 10, 2014 Link: http://www.canadianbusiness.com/business-news/cbc-cuts-657-jobs-and-slashes-130-million-from-its-budget/… Read more »
Companies to be penalized strongly for abusing temporary foreign worker program
Description: The Canadian federal government plans to come down strongly on companies that abuse the foreign worker program. As of December 2012, estimates indicate that were 340,000 foreign workers in Canada—an increase of 100% over the 2005 numbers. Source: Huffington Post Date: March 28, 2014 Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/03/28/temporary-foreign-worker-fines_n_5049295.html?utm_hp_ref=canada-business Questions for Discussion: Why do companies hire such… Read more »
Big data strategy
Description: Big data seems to be the new buzz word among corporates. It is increasingly felt that companies that can better leverage their big data resources will enjoy a substantial competitive advantage. However, there is uncertainty regarding the best strategy to leverage this important resource. Source: Financial Post Date: March 26, 2014 Link: http://business.financialpost.com/2014/03/26/4-easy-steps-to-roll-out-a-big-data-execution/ Questions… Read more »
Blackberry to sell most of its Canadian real estate
Description: To generate cash to help turnaround the company, Blackberry has reached an agreement to sell most of its real estate in Canada: this includes more than 3 million square feet of space. This sale will generate nearly $550 million. Source: Financial Post Date: March 21, 2014 Link: http://business.financialpost.com/2014/03/21/blackberry-ltd-reaches-deal-to-sell-most-of-its-canadian-real-estate/?__lsa=1d59-37d4 Questions for Discussion: What will become… Read more »
Tim Hortons set for massive expansion
Description: Tim Hortons plans to open 500 new restaurants in Canada and 300 in the U.S. in its new five year plan—this will increase its outlets by nearly 18 percent. Source: CBC Date: Feb 25, 2014 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2439551808/?page=5 Questions for Discussion: Appraise Tim Hortons five year expansion plan? Compare Tim Hortons strategy with that… Read more »
Staples to close 255 stores in the U.S. and Canada
Description: Unable to compete against online sales, Staples, the largest U.S. office-supply retailer, will close up to 225 stores in North America. This is an effort to cut costs by $500 million by 2015—Staples hopes that it will make the company more efficient. Source: CBC Date: March 06, 2014 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/staples-to-close-225-stores-in-u-s-canada-1.2562302 Questions for Discussion: Discuss… Read more »
Shoppers Drug Mart sees a decline in its profits
Description: Shoppers Drug Mart Corp. posted lower profits in its fourth quarter. This is likely to be Shoppers last quarterly results as a separate public company; it is being acquired by Loblaw Cos. Ltd. Source: BNN Date: Feb 06, 2014 Link: http://www.bnn.ca/News/2014/2/6/Shoppers-profit-squeezed-by-milder-cold-season-stiffer-competition.aspx Questions for Discussion: What are some of the reasons for Shoppers declining profits?… Read more »
Twitter stock take a big beating
Description: Twitter stock fell 24% on poor fourth quarter results. Twitter has seen a deceleration on several of its important metrics such as growth in the number of users from quarter 3. Source: CBC Date: Feb 06, 2014 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2435335871/ Questions for Discussion: Explain the key metrics that Twitter is evaluated on? What conclusions can you… Read more »
