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 »
Posts Tagged: Competitive Advantage (pp485-486)
Survivability of large corporations
Description: Lifespan of big corporations is fast shrinking: A recent study at Yale university concluded that in 1958, a Fortune 500 company could be expected to survive for at least 60 years; this life span has now come down to less than 15 years. Source: CBC Date: Nov. 04, 2013 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2415923003/?page=2 Questions for… Read more »
Major telecom companies unhappy with policies
Description: Bell, Rogers and Telus join forces to complain that foreign companies entering Canada have an unfair advantage. They’re lobbying the government to change telecom policies so that they have a level playing field. Source: CBC Date: July 25 2013 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2398259754/ Questions for Discussion: Do you agree with the complaints by the large… Read more »
Sobeys parent company Empire to buy Safeway for $5.8 billion
Description: Soon Sobeys will become the second largest food grocery chain in Canada behind Loblaw further increasing the competitive landscape in the grocery retail sector in Canada. Sparked by the arrival of Target in Canada, the grocery retail sector has recently seen several major changes. Source: Financial Post Date: June 12 2013 Text link: http://business.financialpost.com/2013/06/12/sobeys-parent-empire-snaps-up-safeway-canada-for-5-8-billion/… Read more »
Passengers bypassing Canadian airports
Description: An estimated five million Canadians hop the border every year to catch their flights from U.S. airports. By driving a few extra hours to U.S. airports, Canadian passengers save thousands of dollars. Source: CBC Date: May 03 2013 Video link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2383198577/ Questions for Discussion: Should Canadians be flying out of U.S. airports given that… Read more »
Should Canada be protecting ownership of its oil sands?
Description: Although they support the proposed $15.1-billion acquisition of Nexen Inc. by China’s CNOOC Ltd., top industry executives want Ottawa to protect ownership of major oil sands companies. Source: The Globe and Mail Date: September 25 2012 Link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/protect-canadian-ownership-of-oil-sands-firms-executives-urge/article4568562/ Questions for Discussion: Do you agree with the executives that Ottawa should not allow foreign ownership… Read more »
Canada slips in competitiveness rankings?
Description: Canada is now ranked 14th in global competitiveness rankings; it was ranked in the top 10 in 2009. Canada received low scores on its quality of research innovation and its innovation record. Source: The Globe and Mail Date: September 05 2012 Link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/economy-lab/canada-slips-in-competitiveness-rankings/article4520181/ Questions for Discussion: Suggest possible actions for Canada to improve its… Read more »
Insurers lodge complaint against RBC, BMO
Description: In Canada, banks cannot promote insurance products on their websites. Recently, insurance brokers lodged a complaint alleging that RBC and BMO are flouting Ottawa’s rules by promoting insurance on their websites. Source: The Globe and Mail Date: April 23, 2012 Link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/insurers-lodge-complaint-against-rbc-bmo/article2410371/ Questions for Discussion: Do you agree that the Canadian government should… 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 »
