Description: A quarter of Japan’s population includes people above the age of 65. To tackle this problem, Japan is undertaking several innovative steps. These steps will create exciting opportunities for new businesses. Source: The Globe and Mail Date: November 14, 2015 Text Link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/retirement/retire-planning/how-japan-is-coping-with-a-rapidly-aging-population/article27259703/ Questions for Discussion: Discuss the steps Japan is taking to tackle… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Innovation/Creativity
IBM Bringing in Innovative Changes
Description: IBM is entering new businesses to stay competitive. However, it is trying break away from its past by changing the way it thinks about innovation. Changing culture is extremely difficult in large companies like IBM, which houses more than 370,000 employees. Source: New York Times Date: November 14, 2015 Text Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/15/business/ibms-design-centered-strategy-to-set-free-the-squares.html?ref=business Questions for… Read more »
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 »
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 »
Reverse takeovers on the rise
Description: There is an increasing trend for early-stage companies to debut on the stock market through a reverse takeover. Reverse takeovers provide a cost-effective option for new firms to access much needed finance. Source: BNN Date: June 26, 2015 Video Link: http://www.bnn.ca/Video/player.aspx?vid=644583 Questions for Discussion: What are reverse takeovers? Why are reverse takeovers popular… Read more »
Shopify’s initial public offering smashes expectations
Description: Shopify, an Ottawa based company, sold 7.7 million shares at $17 apiece to raise $131 million in its initial public offering, smashing expectations. Shopify provides software for small businesses that helps them sell their products online. Today, more than 160,000 stores across 150 countries use Shopify. Source: CBC Date: May 26, 2015 Video… Read more »
Google’s self-driving cars to hit roads this summer
Description: In a significant step towards their goal of introducing self-driving cars to consumers in the next five years, Google will test their two-seater self-driving cars in Mountainview, California. This will be the first time that people will actually see these cars on the road. Source: Huffington Post Date: May 15, 2015 Video Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/05/15/google-s-pod-like-two-seater-is-next-step-to-driverless-car-to-hit-public-roads-this-summer_n_7290218.html?utm_hp_ref=canada-business… Read more »
Canada’s MBA problems
Description: It seems Canadians are rejecting the MBA program. Applications from Canadian students to MBA programs have declined considerably. With over 100 schools offering MBA programs, this raises a unique challenge for business schools across North America. Source: The Globe and Mail Date: April 03, 2015 Link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/video/video-mba/article23767894/ Questions for Discussion: Why are Canadian students… Read more »
