The California State Auditor has delivered a damning assessment of the management practices at the single largest university system in the United States. Questions: 1. What controls could have prevented this situation? 2. How does this affect costs? 3. According to the audit, how does the rate compare to other organizations within the California government… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Uncategorized
Morphing or not?
The world of retail is changing, with growth in online shopping dominated by Amazon. But does it signal a death spiral to our traditional way of life? Questions: After reading the article, please answer: 1. What is the inventory problem? 2. What is the supplier problem? 3. What is the supply chain problem? Source: Hoium,… Read more »
Something new?
Amazon.com Inc. has invited the world’s biggest brands to Seattle to persuade them that it’s time to start shipping products directly to online shoppers, thus bypassing chains like Wal-Mart, Target, and Costco. Questions: 1. What would be the costs to these brand companies? What would be the benefits? 2. What would be the benefits to… Read more »
Detainees for Profit
Libre, a for-profit company whose name means “free” in Spanish, is charging immigrants who sign contracts $420 per month for their freedom while wearing the company’s GPS devices. The company is now subject to a number of lawsuits and allegations of fraud by immigrants. Questions: 1. Do you think a company should be allowed to… Read more »
Really?
Commonly called “pay-to-stay” or “private jail,” at least 26 jails in Los Angeles and Orange counties are opening their doors to defendants who can afford the option. This is evolving into a two-tiered justice system that allows people convicted of serious crimes to buy their way into safer and more comfortable jail stays. Questions: 1…. Read more »
Investing In the Name of Christian Values?
Two new exchange-traded funds offer a “biblically responsible” investing approach by explicitly saying in their regulatory filing that they will avoid buying shares in companies that have “any degree of participation in activities that do not align with biblical values.” According to the New York Times, this includes what they call the lesbian, gay, bisexual… Read more »
Helping with the Rent?
Almost half of people in their early 20s have a secret, one they don’t usually share even with friends: Their parents help them pay the rent. Questions: 1. What is the average amount that about 40% of 22, 23, and 24 year-olds receive from their parents, to help with the rent? 2. How do career… Read more »
Who is watching the watchers?
According to the FTC, Vizio used 11 million televisions to spy on its customers. The television maker agreed to pay $2.2 million to settle a case with the FTC and the New Jersey attorney general’s office after the agencies accused it of secretly collecting — and selling — data about its customers’ locations, demographics and… Read more »
Hatchanimals? What’s the damage?
Hatchimals was dubbed the hottest toy of 2016. So, what are they and why are they in the news? Questions: 1. What does the class action lawsuit allege? 2. Where was the lawsuit filed? 3. What do you think your damages would be for this type of suit? Please speculate and discuss. Source: Shen, L…. Read more »
Snags at Starbucks
At Starbucks, customers are now able to order and pay for coffee via their phones, so many of them now head directly to the part of the cafe where beverages are handed out. Various snags contributed to company’s lower-than-expected sales and the coffee giant is working to correct problem, according to its Chief Operating Officer…. Read more »