Tech deals and Bitcoin have been very big news stories this week. Facebook's purchase of WhatsApp means that $50bn has been spent on tech deals this year as Facebook and Google compete to dominate digital growth, although this spending has sparked fears of another bubble. Mobile Phone companies however are nervous by this takeover as they see it as a threat to SMS messaging which is already in decline. Bitcoin, a virtual currency, has also been big news this week. Despite turmoil and great financial loss on Mt Gox, Bitcoin remains strong. This editorial is a fascinating look at the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities posed by Bitcoin.
In technology news, Samsung has used its own operating system to launch a 'smartwatch' rather than the Android OS. Samsung has also unveiled a new Galaxy Smartphone. It has a larger screen, better camera and extended battery life. Their biggest rival, Apple, have had a less good week as security flaws on the i-Phone were exposed. This is a fascinating book review about how Lego turned their financial situation around. Oil was also important this week, as England and Scotland wrangle over who will control the North Sea Reserves in the event of Scotland voting for independence, although these reserves may already be declining. Norway's Oil fund is increasing the number of specialists it employs to manage and grow its equity holdings.
To finish on a lighthearted note, the FT this week looked ta Business Schools that had used Second Life to teach in a virtual environment and why this has so drastically declined in popularity.
Friday 28 February 2014
Thursday 20 February 2014
Weekly Round-up - Candy Crush Saga and other interesting business stories.
Probably the most exciting business related news this week relates to King Digital Entertainment, the company behind Candy Crush Saga. King plan to go public and has revealed the extent of its popularity - Candy Crush was played over a billion times per day in December and its profits grew by over 7,000% last year! Candy Crush's success has not come without controversy as they have been accused of using trademark law to destroy competitors. Candy Crush Saga is going public on the New York Stock Exchange despite being British-based and this Financial Times editorial has some interesting thoughts on why, despite current success, the future may not be as sweet. (Sorry). Facebook also splashed the cash this week being WhatsApp and here is the full statement from Zuckerberg on the rationale behind this big ticket acquisition.
Aside from computer games, the US Financial markets 'smell like breakfast' with Orange juice, coffee, cereals and bacon on the rise. Perhaps breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. France and Germany are moving closer to a 'Robin Hood' levy on financial transactions, something frequently proposed as an alternative to austerity. Marketing students may be interesting in the many articles written this week about the 'return of cigarette ads to TV', all prompted by the imminent broadcasting of ads for the e-cigarette. Those of you hoping to be ad-men should be working on your creative ways to get around the British Ban of cigarettes being shown in a glamorous light.
Aside from computer games, the US Financial markets 'smell like breakfast' with Orange juice, coffee, cereals and bacon on the rise. Perhaps breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. France and Germany are moving closer to a 'Robin Hood' levy on financial transactions, something frequently proposed as an alternative to austerity. Marketing students may be interesting in the many articles written this week about the 'return of cigarette ads to TV', all prompted by the imminent broadcasting of ads for the e-cigarette. Those of you hoping to be ad-men should be working on your creative ways to get around the British Ban of cigarettes being shown in a glamorous light.
Wednesday 19 February 2014
Lynda.com : Online video tutorials for Business and Management
Lynda.com is A library of online tutorials and documentaries, including a wealth of videos on Business and Management practice, software and social media tools.
Here is a small selection of the topics covered:
Building an online community
Viral Marketing,
Business Writing,
Google Analytics,
Sharepoint,
Developing a Mood Board,
Communication Fundamentals,
Management Fundamentals,
Making investment decisions,
Financial Literacy: Reading Financial Reports
Access is via the MyLibrary section of MyUnihub.
Just click on the link to Databases and select L for Lynda.
When you first use Lynda.com you need to create a personal profile. This allows you to keep a record of all the Lynda.com training you do whilst at Middlesex University.
Tuesday 18 February 2014
Friday 14 February 2014
Weekly News Round-up
Well it's been a cold and blustery week so congratulations to all those MSO students who fought their way through the wind and rain to come to Library Essential Skills sessions. I hope you found them useful. Let's all hope the weather improves soon!
Seems to be a good time to be a London tech start-up with small London based companies being bought up by Silicon Valley giants, so perhaps we should all be practicing our coding. Apple is committing to cleaning up its supply chain, not only improving conditions in their Chinese factories but also trying to ensure that the minerals used are conflict-free. This gos to show the growing importance of CSR to Big Business. Global markets might struggle this year as the world slowly recovers from recession. On a related theme, the Eurozone Bank Regulators is advocating letting weak Banks die rather than propping them up as many European Governments have done during the crisis. And finally, Dame Alison Carnwath is recommending women be allowed 6 year career breaks to be mothers before returning a continuing with their careers. Quite a radical suggestion but an interesting one given this continuing gender gap in Business.
Seems to be a good time to be a London tech start-up with small London based companies being bought up by Silicon Valley giants, so perhaps we should all be practicing our coding. Apple is committing to cleaning up its supply chain, not only improving conditions in their Chinese factories but also trying to ensure that the minerals used are conflict-free. This gos to show the growing importance of CSR to Big Business. Global markets might struggle this year as the world slowly recovers from recession. On a related theme, the Eurozone Bank Regulators is advocating letting weak Banks die rather than propping them up as many European Governments have done during the crisis. And finally, Dame Alison Carnwath is recommending women be allowed 6 year career breaks to be mothers before returning a continuing with their careers. Quite a radical suggestion but an interesting one given this continuing gender gap in Business.
Friday 7 February 2014
Weekly round up - lots of Sony news!
What a cold and wet week. I haven't been doing so much teaching this week but we have been working behind scenes to plan future teaching sessions and to improve the library service.
Lots of Sony articles this week to help you MGT3201 students with your group project. I hope that is all going well. Sony is restructuring as it now forecasts a net loss for this quarter. Five thousand jobs will be lost, Sony is selling its PC unit meaning they will no longer manufacture VAIO laptops and will be spinning off their TV unit. This article has a good five point analysis of areas of concern for Sony.
A long running legal dispute between Google and EU has been resolved meaning Google must be explicit about which links are sponsored. Just another reason to do your research on Summon? Virtuous January debates on the role of sugar in obesity are causing problems for food groups. Advice for MBA students on how to network without forgetting that you are interacting with people and finally an article on Women in the Business School full of handy suggestions.
Lots of Sony articles this week to help you MGT3201 students with your group project. I hope that is all going well. Sony is restructuring as it now forecasts a net loss for this quarter. Five thousand jobs will be lost, Sony is selling its PC unit meaning they will no longer manufacture VAIO laptops and will be spinning off their TV unit. This article has a good five point analysis of areas of concern for Sony.
A long running legal dispute between Google and EU has been resolved meaning Google must be explicit about which links are sponsored. Just another reason to do your research on Summon? Virtuous January debates on the role of sugar in obesity are causing problems for food groups. Advice for MBA students on how to network without forgetting that you are interacting with people and finally an article on Women in the Business School full of handy suggestions.
Wednesday 5 February 2014
Slightly belated weekly round up blog
I had meant to post these links last week but I was so busy with the group sessions for MGT3201 that time got away from me. Really good to be out and about helping so many students with their projects.
Last week had lots of stories about the MBA experience coinciding with the announcement of the International Global ranking. One story highlights that fact that the pay of Top MBA graduates has doubled despite the global recession, while another discusses greater flexibility in modes of study for the MBA. More and more students are opting for parttime study, flexible executive courses or or targeted courses like the MBAs in shipping that we offer here at Middlesex. On a lighter note, The FT seems to be surveying MBA fashion - are you all dressing for success here at Middlesex or do you take a more casual approach?
The smartphone/tablet patents war rages on while Apple suffers from disappointing iPhone sales. In interesting news for MGT3201 students, Sony's credit rating has been cut to junk by Moody's as they feel Sony's profitability is still 'weak and vulnerable'.
Last week had lots of stories about the MBA experience coinciding with the announcement of the International Global ranking. One story highlights that fact that the pay of Top MBA graduates has doubled despite the global recession, while another discusses greater flexibility in modes of study for the MBA. More and more students are opting for parttime study, flexible executive courses or or targeted courses like the MBAs in shipping that we offer here at Middlesex. On a lighter note, The FT seems to be surveying MBA fashion - are you all dressing for success here at Middlesex or do you take a more casual approach?
The smartphone/tablet patents war rages on while Apple suffers from disappointing iPhone sales. In interesting news for MGT3201 students, Sony's credit rating has been cut to junk by Moody's as they feel Sony's profitability is still 'weak and vulnerable'.
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