Business and All
1. Using published reports, select two CEOs who have recently made public statements regarding a major change in their firm’s strategy. Discuss how the successful implementation of such strategies requires changes in the firm’s primary and support activities. 2. Select a firm that competes in an industry in which you are interested. Drawing upon published financial reports, complete a financial ratio analysis. Based on changes over time and a comparison with industry norms, evaluate the firm’s strengths and weaknesses in terms of its financial position. 3. How might exemplary human resource practices enhance and strengthen a firm’s value-chain activities? 4. Using the Internet, look up your university or college. What are some of its key value-creating activities that provide competitive advantages? Why?
1.
It was Mark Thompson, the former B.B.C. boss who has alreadyweathered an international media scandal and a closely-watched round of newsroom downsizing since becoming the Times Company's new chief executive in November.
"I took this job not just because I've been a devoted user of The New York Times for many years, but because I believe it's one of a handful of global news brands that can not just survive, but thrive in this digital era," he said in the first public comments about his new gig.
But if Times watchers were expecting any big newsmaking revelations about the future of the company and its venerable flagship, they probably hung up the phone feeling a bit disappointed.
Thompson, who in his role as successor to Janet Robinson will be expected to steer the Times' ongoing digital expansion in the face of sinking print revenues, said he's already at work on a "new strategy for the company."
The specifics however are scarce. He mentioned building up the Times' portfolio of paid digital products and developing its nascent conference business, as well as ramping up mobile and video efforts while growing internationally. (Nothing we
1.
It was Mark Thompson, the former B.B.C. boss who has alreadyweathered an international media scandal and a closely-watched round of newsroom downsizing since becoming the Times Company's new chief executive in November.
"I took this job not just because I've been a devoted user of The New York Times for many years, but because I believe it's one of a handful of global news brands that can not just survive, but thrive in this digital era," he said in the first public comments about his new gig.
But if Times watchers were expecting any big newsmaking revelations about the future of the company and its venerable flagship, they probably hung up the phone feeling a bit disappointed.
Thompson, who in his role as successor to Janet Robinson will be expected to steer the Times' ongoing digital expansion in the face of sinking print revenues, said he's already at work on a "new strategy for the company."
The specifics however are scarce. He mentioned building up the Times' portfolio of paid digital products and developing its nascent conference business, as well as ramping up mobile and video efforts while growing internationally. (Nothing we