Big data strategy

Posted by & filed under Change, Management, Strategy, Technology.

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 »

Tim Hortons set for massive expansion

Posted by & filed under Change, Organizational Change, Strategy, Video Report.

Description: Tim Hortons plans to open 500 new restaurants in Canada and 300 in the U.S. in its new five year plan—this will increase its outlets by nearly 18 percent. Source: CBC Date: Feb 25, 2014 Video Link:  http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2439551808/?page=5 Questions for Discussion: Appraise Tim Hortons five year expansion plan? Compare Tim Hortons strategy with that… Read more »

Staples to close 255 stores in the U.S. and Canada

Posted by & filed under Change, Organizational Change, Organizational Structure & Design, Strategy.

Description: Unable to compete against online sales, Staples, the largest U.S. office-supply retailer, will close up to 225 stores in North America. This is an effort to cut costs by $500 million by 2015—Staples hopes that it will make the company more efficient. Source: CBC Date: March 06, 2014 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/staples-to-close-225-stores-in-u-s-canada-1.2562302 Questions for Discussion: Discuss… Read more »

Shaking up the business of shaving

Posted by & filed under Entrepreneurship, Innovation/Creativity, New product, Strategy, Technology, Video Report.

Description: Shaving is a big business worldwide with two giant players, Gillette and Schick. A new startup Harry’s is planning to shake-up the shaving business by selling razors directly to consumers. Jeff Raider, Harry’s co-founder, explains the company’s innovative strategy. Source: CBC Date: Feb 19, 2014 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2438374737/ Questions for Discussion: What sets Harry’s apart… Read more »

Canadian Tire posts high profits.

Posted by & filed under Innovation/Creativity, Strategy, Video Report.

Description: Canadian Tire Corp. posted a 17-percent rise in quarterly profit. This was driven by strong sales of outdoor equipment, casual clothing and sports footwear. However, despite the positive numbers, Mark McQueen, CEO Wellington Financial, feels that Canadian Tire needs to invest in its stores and update its look and feel. Source: BNN Date: Feb… Read more »

Top 10 most influential brands in Canada

Posted by & filed under Global Management, Strategy, Video Report.

Description: Ipsos Reid announced the ten most influential brands in Canada. It lists brands such as MasterCard, Walmart, Tim Horton’s and Apple. The number one brand on the list is Google. Source: CBC Date: Jan 28, 2014 Link:  http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2433488781/ Questions for Discussion: What are some of the interesting facts that spring out from this list?… Read more »

Canadian banks deliver record profits

Posted by & filed under Planning, Strategy.

Description: Canada’s top five banks recorded a profit of $29.4-billion in the last fiscal year. This is a healthy 5% growth from last year. As in the past, the increased profits were driven predominantly by demand for mortgages among Canadians. Source: Financial Post Date: December 06 2013 Link:  http://business.financialpost.com/2013/12/06/canadian-banks-deliver-record-29-billion-profit-this-year-but-are-the-good-times-coming-to-an-end/ Questions for Discussion: Can the banks… Read more »

CBC loses Hockey rights to Rogers

Posted by & filed under Change, Strategy, Technology, Video Report.

Description: For sixty years, CBC was the main face of Hockey in Canada. In a massive broadcasting deal, NHL announced that Rogers has secured the national television and multimedia rights for Hockey in Canada for the next 12 years; this deal is worth a hefty $5.2 billion. Source: CBC Date: November 26 2013 Video link:… Read more »

Gender gap is bad for business

Posted by & filed under Change, Diversity, Human Resource Management, Leadership, Strategy, Video Report.

Description: A recent study at University of British Columbia found that companies that had women on their board were better deal makers: they paid significantly less premiums for target firms and were more cautious when acquiring firms. Despite several similar studies over the years confirming that higher gender diversity on corporate boards lead to better… Read more »

Target gets off to a bad start in Canada

Posted by & filed under Environment, Global Management, Management, Operations Management, Strategy, Video Report.

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 »