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 »
Posts Categorized: Management
Reasons for Nortel’s demise
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 »
MBA grads choosing non-corporate sectors
Description: According to a recent report compiled by Catalyst, 11% of Canadian high profile employees (those with an MBA) are beginning their career in the non-corporate sector; that is jobs in the public sector and non-profit organizations. This percentage is substantially higher for Canada than those for the U.S. (4%), Asia (3%) and Europe (5%)…. Read more »
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 »
Twitter surpasses expectations
Description: Twitter stocks soared by 73% from its initial public offering price on its opening day at the NYSE. This is somewhat similar to how Facebook opened at the stock exchange. What remains to be seen is whether, like Facebook, its shares will nosedive over the next 30 days.? Source: CBC Date: Nov. 07, 2013… Read more »
Can Fairfax save BlackBerry?
Description: Fairfax financial has made a $4.7 billion bid for BlackBerry. This bid amounts to an offer of $9 per share. In 2007, BlackBerry boasted a share price of $230.52. This is a remarkable drop for a company that started the smartphone market. Source: CBC Date: Sept. 23, 2013 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2408193839/?page=2 Questions for Discussion:… Read more »
Why are CEOs paid so highly?
Description: Over the last two decades nearly 40% of highly paid CEOs in the U.S. were either fired, arrested or bailed out by taxpayers. These statistics casts doubt on the whether CEOs should be paid so highly. Source: CBC Date: August 30, 2013 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2403678767/?page=3 Questions for Discussion: Do CEOs deserve such astronomical salaries?… Read more »
Minimum wage workers protest in the U.S.
Description: A large number of fast food restaurant workers across U.S. are protesting for higher minimum wages. Currently the minimum wage in the U.S. is $7.25/hr. Workers are demanding that minimum wage be raised to around $15/hr. There are arguments both in favour and against such a move. Source: CBC Date: Sept. 5, 2013 Video… Read more »
CEO turnover highest in three years
Description: A recent U.S. report finds that CEO turnover at U.S. companies is at its highest in the last three years with nearly 128 CEOs announcing their departures in the month of July alone. This represented a 54% increase over the same time last year. Source: Financial Post Date: August 7, 2013 Text Link: http://business.financialpost.com/2013/08/07/ceo-turnover-highest-in-three-years-says-report/… Read more »
Can pension plans keep up with longer lifespans?
Can pension plans keep up with longer lifespans? Description: Canadians are living longer: a 60 year-old male is expected to live for another 27.3 years while a 60 year-old female is expected to live another 29.4 years. The longer lifespans put tremendous pressure pension on plans. Source: CBC Date: August 6, 2013 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2400127860/ Questions… Read more »