Description: Dr. Jonathan Calof, Associate Professor at University of Ottawa, debates that some of the reasons for Nortel’s demise were hubris and arrogance. He argues that although Nortel continued to have strong technological skills but it was poor in managing this technology Source: CBC Date: March 21, 2014 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2443679616/ Questions for Discussion: Discuss some… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Operations Management
Target gets off to a bad start in Canada
Description: Target is struggling to attract Canadians to its stores. A recent research suggests that most Canadians view Target in same league as Sears—one of the weakest retailers in Canada. Source: CBC Date: Nov. 22, 2013 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2420124056/ Questions for Discussion: What does the research suggests about Target’s image in Canada? Why do you… Read more »
Air Canada’s new strategy
Description: Air Canada CEO Calin Rovinescu discusses the procedural changes that led Air Canada to post its best second quarter earnings ever; Air Canada has been in business for 75 years. Source: CBC Date: Oct. 18 2013 Video link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2412964045/ Questions for Discussion: Explain the process that eventually led to Air Canada’s successful quarter earnings?… Read more »
U.S. postal service considering delivering alcohol
Description: To address its falling revenues, U.S. postal service is pondering over the possibility of delivering alcohol through its postal service. They anticipate this venture to bring in nearly $50 million every year. Source: CBC Date: August 2 2013 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2399344954/ Questions for Discussion: What do you think about this new venture? What are… Read more »
Amazon Canada Taps Toy Market
Description: Amazon Canada, which entered Canada in 2002, is set to enter the toy market in a big way. It plans to offer the ‘largest section of toys’ in the country: this will include more than 300,000 toys for kids. Source: Financial Post Date: June 27 2013 Link: http://business.financialpost.com/2013/06/27/amazon-canada-taps-toy-market-with-largest-section-of-toys-in-country/ Questions for Discussion: Do you foresee… Read more »
Barrick Gold Corp’s continuing problems with their Chile project
Description: Chile files serious violations against Toronto-based Barrick Gold Corporation (world’s largest gold miner) dealing a blow to their Pascua-Lama mine project. The Pascua-Lama mine is believed to house nearly 18 million ounces of gold reserves. Source: The Globe and Mail Date: May 24 2013 Text link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/chile-freezes-barricks-pascua-lama-orders-urgent-measures/article12129034/ Questions for Discussion: What are some of… Read more »
Why HudBay’s CEO avoids ‘value destructive’ big M&A
Description: David Garofalo, CEO of HudBay, discusses the operations of HudBay and presents his arguments for why HudBay focuses on organic growth rather than through large Mergers and Acquisitions. Why HudBay’s CEO avoids ‘value destructive’ big M&A Source: Business News Network Video Date: March 5, 2012 Link: http://www.bnn.ca/News/2012/3/5/Why-HudBays-CEO-avoids-value-destructive-big-MA.aspx Questions for Discussion: What is meant by… Read more »
The Transformation of Canadian Manufacturing
Canadian company Transformix knows the secret to making manufacturing work – add value and have a good neighbor. Everything else will take care of itself. So when the tsunami hit Japan, Transformix CEO Peng-Sang Cau did not worry about the impact. She bought more supplies. Ms. Cau does not worry about from where her parts… Read more »
The “Stuff” of Business
Entrepreneur Rhonda Abrams points out how “stuff” (materials and inventory) can influence a business from a cost standpoint. She also discusses how “stuff” and uncontrollable events can interrupt the business cycle. She offers practical advice on how to manage this “stuff” to make business more efficient in terms of capital. QUESTIONS: Begin by discussing how… Read more »
If It Costs More to Make, It Costs More to Buy
As Volkswagen opens its new plant in Tennessee, talks renew about how labor, particularly unionized labor, influence the cost of new vehicles and the viability of automakers. While foreign manufacturers are locating in the South and paying about half the amount a union worker makes, the Big Three in Detroit have been unable to see… Read more »
