Cash flow king for small business owners

Posted by & filed under Financial Planning, Management Issues.

Description:   Seventy-six per cent of small business owners believe effective cash-flow management is fundamental to the success of their businesses, with 72 per cent reporting that they currently manage cash flow well, a study released today from the American Express Small Business Monitor reveals. Source:  GlobeandMail.com Date: 04/10/2012 Link:  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/sb-tools/small-business-briefing/cash-flow-king-for-small-business-owners/article2396272/   Questions for discussion: What… Read more »

Kingfisher Air Shunned as Cash Crunch Disrupts India Flights

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Description:  Anurag Chadha had one thing to say after flight disruptions at billionaire Vijay Mallya’s Kingfisher Airlines Ltd. (KAIR) curtailed his holiday plans. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 03/09/2012 Link:  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-09/kingfisher-air-passenger-says-never-again-as-cash-crunch-disrupts-flights.html Questions for discussion:  What are the reasons for this firm’s cash flow problems? What are the consequences? How typical is this scenario for other firms dependent… Read more »

For Small Theaters, the Digital Future Is Dark

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Description:  Independent movie houses scramble to pay for expensive new gear Source: Businessweek.com Date: 02/17/2012 Link:  http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/for-small-theaters-the-digital-future-is-dark-02162012.html Questions for discussion: Explain the problems and solutions being presented for these small businesses. Do you think they will be successful? Are there alternative financial strategies?

How the U.S. Lost Out on iPhone Work

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Economic Analysis, Financial Planning, Governments & Regulators, Growth & Valuation, Industry Analysis, Management Issues.

Description:  When Barack Obama joined Silicon Valley’s top luminaries for dinner in California last February, each guest was asked to come with a question for the president. But as Steven P. Jobs of Apple spoke,President Obama interrupted with an inquiry of his own: what would it take to make iPhones in the United States? Source: … Read more »

One small company reinvents a $30 billion market

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Description:   Sometimes one bright idea — and a whole lot of work to implement it — can reshape an entire industry. Source: Fortune.com Date: 12/09/2011 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/2011/12/09/smallbusiness/eagleview/index.htm?iid=SF_BN_River Questions for discussion: How has this technological innovation changed costing and budgeting in the industry?

Toyota Said to Tell Partsmakers to Cut Prices

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Description:  Toyota Motor Corp. (7203), Asia’s biggest carmaker, is telling parts suppliers in Japan to slash prices or face being replaced by overseas rivals as the yen’s value appreciates, four people involved with the discussions said.. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 10/07/2011 Link:  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-10-07/toyota-said-to-tell-partsmakers-in-japan-to-slash-prices-as-yen-advances.html Questions for discussion: Explain the connection between the value of the Japanese currency… Read more »

The Forbes family’s big deal causes big trouble

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Description: After default, emergency restructuring was needed to satisfy lenders. Source:  Fortune.com Date: 07/28/2011 Link:  http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2011/07/28/the-forbes-familys-big-deal-causes-big-trouble/ Questions for discussion: Summarize the financial condition of the firm. How would you advise management to deal with the current situation?

Nokia to Cut Costs More After Loss

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Description: The two largest European makers of telecommunications equipment, Nokia and Ericsson, announced plans Thursday to continue or accelerate cost-cutting efforts in the face of rising competition, internal reorganizations and weak demand in North America. Source:  NYTimes.com Date: 07/21/2011 Link:  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/22/technology/nokia-and-ericsson-announce-cost-cutting.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: How can management mitigate the stress on cash flow during this… Read more »

Is Tiger Woods running out of money?

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Description: With only a few endorsement deals left, a recent divorce settlement, a hefty house mortgage, and even a pay cut from Nike, Tiger Woods’ lifestyle is looking a lot less glamorous. Source: Fortune.com   Date: 07/015/2011 Link:  http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2011/07/15/is-tiger-woods-running-out-of-money/ Questions for discussion: Describe the “Tiger Woods” business model.  Is the title of this article misleading,… Read more »

Overbuilding in Spain Leaves Many White Elephants

Posted by & filed under Financial Planning, Governments & Regulators.

Description: Last March, local officials inaugurated a brand new airport in Castellón, a small city on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. They are still waiting for the first scheduled flight. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 06/24/2011 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/25/business/global/25iht-transport25.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Explain the financial planning problems in Spain? How can they be resolved?