Description: NEW YORK— Best Buy (BBY) is shuttering all 250 of its small-format mobile phone stores in the U.S., saying the locations have become less profitable. Source: CBS.com – video report Date: Mar 01, 2018 Link: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/best-buy-says-goodbye-to-mobile-phone-stores/ Questions for discussion: Why is management taking this action? How have consumer buying behaviors changed since these stores… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Organizational Change
Bit by Bit, Whole Foods Gets an Amazon Touch
Description: Some signs are subtle, like the “Whole Foods + Amazon” one near the bananas. Others are more obvious, like the kiosk with Amazon devices for sale. Source: NYTimes.com Date: Mar 1, 2018 Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/01/technology/bit-by-bit-whole-foods-gets-an-amazon-touch.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fbusiness&action=click&contentCollection=business®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=2&pgtype=sectionfront Questions for discussion: How has the transition strategy unfolded thus far? Do you think the firms are going about the… Read more »
Amazon now delivers Whole Foods groceries in a few select cities
Description: Two-hour delivery will be free and a one hour option costs $7.99 on orders of $35 or more. Amazon now delivers Whole Foods groceries in a few select cities from CNBC. Source: CNBC.com – video report Date: Feb 08, 2018 Link: https://www.cnbc.com/video/2018/02/08/amazon-now-delivers-whole-foods-groceries-in-a-few-select-cities.html Questions for discussion: How is management capitalizing on the synergies of these… Read more »
Jerry Dias: We blew it on NAFTA
Description: Jerry Dias: We blew it on NAFTA Source: FinancialPost.com – video report Date: Feb 01, 2018 Link: http://business.financialpost.com/video/1_tq7if0ru Questions for discussion: Summarize the strategic issues presented by Jerry Dias. What does this mean for labour relations in Canadian industries, particularly, the auto industry. How can Canadian auto industry firms respond to the situation?
Toys “R” Us plans to close more than 180 U.S. stores
Description: Toys “R” Us is planning to shutter a fifth of its U.S. stores. Source: CNNMooney.com – video report Date: Jan 23, 2018 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2018/01/24/news/companies/toys-r-us-stores-closing/index.html?iid=hp-stack-dom Questions for discussion: What does this report say about the reasons for the store closures? How can management deal with the challenges facing the firm?
This Army of AI Robots Will Feed the World
Description: And it could do it while eliminating herbicides, replenishing topsoil, and reducing carbon consumption. If all goes to plan. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Jan 11, 2018 Link: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2018-01-11/this-army-of-ai-robots-will-feed-the-world Questions for discussion: What does the article say about the future uses of technology? How will these predictions affect business and workers?
Welcome to the machine: Why white-collar jobs are safe from AI — for now
Description: Artificial intelligence can perform certain specific tasks far better than humans, but it still has a long way to go before it can replace humans Source: FinancialPost.com Date: Dec 28, 2017 Link: http://business.financialpost.com/technology/welcome-to-the-machine-why-white-collar-jobs-are-safe-from-ai-for-now Questions for discussion: Summarize the key points that managers should undersatnd about AI and how it is likley to affect business… Read more »
Older Canadians forgoing retirement, working through golden years, census shows
Description: The latest census data show more and more Canadians are choosing to eschew the traditional retirement age, whether for their health, their finances or just for the fun of it Source: FinancialPost.com Date: Nov 29, 2017 Link: http://business.financialpost.com/personal-finance/retirement/older-canadians-forgoing-retirement-working-through-golden-years-census-2 Questions for discussion: Summarize the highlights in this report. What should HR managers do with this… Read more »
Vice Media Fires 3 Employees After Harassment Complaints
Description: Vice Media fired three employees for behavior ranging from “verbal and sexual harassment to other behavior that is inconsistent with our policies, our values, and the way in which we believe colleagues should work together,” a company executive said in a memo to employees. Source: NYTimes.com Date: Dec 02, 2017 Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/01/business/media/vice-media-harassment-fires-three-employees.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fbusiness&action=click&contentCollection=business®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=12&pgtype=sectionfront Questions for… Read more »
Forewarned is forearmed: Train all management to handle harassment issues
Description: “One is never too old to yearn” goes the charming Italian proverb — as long as you keep such thoughts concealed. In today’s workplace, open unrequited love is a recipe for a rapid descent into unemployment. Source: FinancialPost.com Date: Dec 01, 2017 Link: http://business.financialpost.com/executive/careers/1128-biz-hl-levitt-wkpld Questions for discussion: Summarize the advice presented to companies and… Read more »
