Description: It seems one of the world’s most recognizable brand is in decline – McDonalds faces a severe challenge; it warned that business will be weak in the near future as it reported a 21 per cent drop in fourth-quarter earnings. Source: CBC Date: February 28, 2015 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/the-mcdonald-s-slump-are-golden-days-of-golden-arches-over-1.2975314 Questions for Discussion: Discuss the reasons for… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Environment
Canada’s largest engineering and construction firm facing corruption charges
Description: Canada’s largest engineering and construction firm, Montreal based SNC-Lavalin, is accused of paying $47.9 million in bribes to Libyan officials. Source: CBC Date: February 19, 2015 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2654817566/ Questions for Discussion: Explain SNC-Lavalin’s corrupt practices? How did these practices benefit SNC-Lavalin? Is bribery common in international business? How should the government reprimand SNC-Lavalin?
HSBC bank helped customers hide money
Description: HSBC, one of the largest banks in the word, helped some of its richest customers hide money, often illegally. The documents that were leaked named 1500 Canadians who had money hidden in HSBC. Source: CBC Date: February 09, 2015 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2652797906/?page=2 Questions for Discussion: In this unique to one bank or is likely… Read more »
Bank of Canada cuts rate by a quarter point
Description: In a decision that came as a shock to most economists, the Bank of Canada cut its rate on overnight loans by a quarter point to 0.75%. Canada was the first among the Group Seven countries to cut its interest rate. Source: CBC Date: January 21, 2015 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2649342059/ Questions for Discussion: Discuss… Read more »
Electric Car Dilemma for Big Auto Makers
Description: With the plunging oil prices, the new electric and hybrid vehicles may soon see a drop in demand. The electric car hype has been there for nearly a decade and still no one is sure how this market will evolve. Making matters more complex is the low price of oil, which many analysts say… Read more »
Target to close shop in Canada
Description: After nearly two years of struggle, Target has decided to close all its 133 stores in Canada. It has accumulated nearly $1.5 billion in losses during its short stay in Canada. Source: CBC Date: January 15, 2015 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2648076422/?page=2 Questions for Discussion: Did Target’s decision come as a surprise – Why or Why… Read more »
Apple to increase the prices of their apps
Description: The falling Canadian dollar is forcing Apple to increase the prices of their apps for Canadian customers. Source: BNN Date: January 08, 2015 Video and Text Link: http://www.bnn.ca/News/2015/1/8/Canadians-say-goodbye-to-Apples-99-cent-apps.aspx Questions for Discussion: Do you agree with Apple’s decision to increase the prices of their apps? Given that falling Canadian dollar reduces revenues for U.S. based companies,… Read more »
Rebranding of Second Cup
Description: Second Cup is facing increased competition from Starbucks, Tim Hortons and McDonald’s in the café market, and over the last few years has been losing market share. In an effort to regain their market share, Second Cup are rebranding their stores in Canada. Source: CBC Date: December 04, 2014 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2625880352/ Questions for Discussion: Discuss… Read more »
After Scotiabank, RBC too will lay off employees
Description: Following in the footsteps of Scotiabank, Royal Bank of Canada announced that its shutting down its international client-wealth-management business in the Caribbean along with some businesses in Canada and the United States. This will likely impact 300 employees. Source: Financial Post Date: November 21, 2014 Video and Text Link: http://business.financialpost.com/2014/11/20/rbc-restructuring/ Questions for Discussion: What are… Read more »
Canada Improves its Record on Bribery in Foreign Markets
Description: According to Transparency International, Canada has improved its record in combating corruption and bribery among Canadian companies that operate in foreign markets. Source: CBC Date: October 23, 2014 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2568579479/ Questions for Discussion: Why is it important that Canada should more actively enforce its rules on combating corruption by its companies in foreign… Read more »
