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Management News is South-Western's service to provide summaries of the latest management news stories. Review the brief summaries and, for stories of interest, select the full summary. |
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| Title | Brief Summary |
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Bank of America’s new strategy positions the bank as the place where investors can come for education about IRAs. Critics say, however, that this strategy fails to differentiate the bank’s offerings from its competitors. (Updated May 2008) |
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Staples, Inc. will have 40 stores in the Chicago area by this time next year. The move heightens the pressure for Naperville-based Office Max, which is in the process of restructuring and is facing industry pressure to improve performance in a highly competitive business. (Updated April 2006) |
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Douglass Rushkoff, professor of communications at New York University believes that most companies don’t need to participate in “out of the box thinking.” He believes that they need to get back in the box to be successful—by defining what their core competencies are and focusing on the value they bring to consumers. (Updated February 2006) |
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Blockbuster's strategy is in a constant state of revision to keep up with consumer preferences and innovative competitors. It hasn't always moved quickly, but it has recently introduced new ways of reaching its customers that appear to be working. (Updated October 2005) |
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Approximately 9 percent of retail returns in the U.S. are fraud-related and cost the industry an estimated $16 billion per year. As retail scams become more sophisticated, companies are fighting back using advanced technology and databases. (Updated September 2005) |
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The toy industry is in crisis. Global sales fell 2% last year and big names in toys like FAO Schwarz and Zany Brainy have just about disappeared in response to fierce competition from deep discount retailers like Wal Mart. Experts are worried that the shrinking of the retail market will have a negative effect on innovative toys. (Updated April 2005) |
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Jane Friedman, President and CEO of HarperCollins Publishers is pursuing an ambitious new plan in an effort to preserve her successful history in a traditionally slow-growing industry. She is hoping to reach out to consumers with a tangible brand that will help to sell more books based on the merit of the brand itself. (Updated February 2005) |
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In response to a labor shortage, big-name construction companies in Southwest Florida are sponsoring after-school clubs to teach high school kids construction skills. (Updated February 2005) |
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Sneaker companies are trying to get customers to pay more for their shoes by introducing new technology that will cost between $100 and $250 per pair. They hope to offset the recent trend of purchasing classic or simple sneakers that has cut into company profits. (Updated January 2005) |
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Robert Polet, the new chief executive of the Gucci Group is formulating his ambitious plans to double the sales of Gucci name brand merchandise in the next seven years. Mr. Polet's warm leadership style has been complimented, but experts wonder whether his lofty goals are attainable. (Updated January 2005) |
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PepsiCo has managed to earn double-digit growth consistently by adding product variations to reach changing consumer tastes. (Updated August 2004) |
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In this press release, Kodak describes its growth strategy which involves a three-year program to enhance its competitive position and accelerate earnings growth.
(Updated February 2004) |
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Tendu is a company that develops data software to compile baseball statistics and show trends. It has competition, but this product might just be different enough to have an edge. (Updated November 2003) |
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Starbucks Coffee Company has made a strategic decision to locate its first European roasting plant in Amsterdam. It is believed to be a good fit for both Starbucks and the Port of Amsterdam. (Updated June 2003) |
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AOL faces steep competition as it seeks to expand into broadband services. This article outlines some of the strategies of AOL and its competitors in AOL's fight to maintain a competitive advantage. (Updated February 2003) |
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In a move calculated to please customers, AOL has decided to stop selling pop-up ads in favor of more targeted advertising. The strategy is expected to result in a loss of revenue from advertising, but the company feels the loyalty of its customers is more important. (Updated December 2002) |
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Bright Horizons is provider of child care services for major employers. The benefits to the employees of companies who utilize these services may seem obvious, but the company benefits, too. (Updated December 2002) |
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Levi Strauss & Co. is facing the challenge of building a new business strategy. Its new CEO is focusing on distribution, advertising, and new product to draw customers. (Updated October 2002) |
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Marjorie Scardino, CEO of Pearson PLC, explains her strategy for increasing share price. Although share price is slightly below the level it was when Scardino became chief executive, she feels her strategy is the right one in the long run. (Updated October 2002) |
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Sales of music on CD are plummeting. More and more consumers are equipping themselves with CD burners and making their own customized music CDs. The music industry's strategy has been attempts at copy protection, but it is only alienating its customers further. Some entrepreneurs are finding ways to make money, though. (Updated August 2002) |
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