Business Archives

Stratton Oakmont Scandal: Stock Manipulation by Proxies

What was the Stratton Oakmont scandal? How did employees at Stratton Oakmont participate in stock manipulation? While there are many ways for investment firms to make money, the practice of choice for Stratton Oakmont was stock price manipulation. Jordan Belfort’s traders artificially inflated the stock price of a company during its Initial Public Offering (IPO) while holding on to more shares of that company than was allowed by SEC rules. Continue reading to learn more about Stratton Oakmont’s scandalous method of making money.

How ChatGPT’s Growth Changed the AI Landscape

How did ChatGPT set off a frenzy across the tech industry and beyond? What critical questions did ChatGPT’s emergence spark that remain unresolved? What remarkable capabilities does the technology preview about our AI-powered future? Following its November 2022 launch, ChatGPT’s growth was unprecedented, amassing over 1.7 billion users in its first year. ChatGPT’s explosive rise not only reshaped the AI landscape but also set off industry-wide transformations, revealing both its potential for catalyzing positive change and the societal risks it embodies. Keep reading to learn how ChatGPT changed the game in some industries.

Sensory Hours Create an Inclusive Shopping Experience

What are sensory hours? What measures are implemented during sensory hours? What companies have adopted them? Major chains like Walmart now offer special “sensory hours” to create a low-stimulus shopping environment for customers with sensory sensitivities. Experts say sensory accommodations benefit both consumers who struggle with noisy and crowded stores and companies seeking to expand their customer base. Continue reading to learn about sensory hours and the impact they have on customers and businesses.

Impacts of the National Association of Realtors Lawsuit

What does the National Association of Realtors lawsuit mean for major brokerages? What changes could the verdict realistically bring about? Who stands to benefit if commissions drop? In October, a federal antitrust lawsuit verdict found the National Association of Realtors and other big brokerages guilty of colluding to inflate home selling commissions. Experts forecast a substantial shakeup in the industry. Below we’ll take a look at the National Association of Realtors lawsuit and what it means for brokerages and home buyers alike.

Elon Musk’s Tesla Cybertruck: Can It Save Tesla?

What led to the Cybertruck’s protracted production problems? How vital is the vehicle’s success to Tesla’s business strategy? Does the polarizing truck have breakout potential or niche appeal? Elon Musk’s Tesla Cybertruck, unveiled recently, has been besieged by production challenges, largely associated with the company’s use of the notoriously difficult-to-manipulate hardened stainless steel. Tesla confronts economic headwinds and slipping market share, and hopes the Cybertruck can ignite sales growth. Here’s a look at the Cybertruck’s production issues and why sales are so vital for Tesla.

The Rise of the East India Company: From Traders to Rulers

The rise of East India Company illustrated with soldiers and ships on water.

How did England’s East India Company get so powerful? How did it pave the way for colonial rule in India? In his book The Anarchy, historian William Dalrymple traces the ascent of the English East India Company. Originally a modest group of traders, the company transformed over the 17th and 18th centuries into an imperial powerhouse that imposed British rule across the Indian subcontinent. Continue reading to learn about the fascinating rise of the East India Company.

Beyond Meat Sales Drop: The Beginning of the End for Faux Meat?

Has the fake meat revolution been overhyped? Why are sales dropping so rapidly? Will they pick back up? Beyond Meat recently reported a 30% second-quarter sales plunge, leading to doubts about artificial meat’s future. Factors like high prices, inferior taste and texture, and scaling challenges have stunted the product’s growth. Here’s a look at why Beyond Meat’s sales have dropped, along with other fake meat producers.

25 Business Model Questions Every Entrepreneur Must Answer

What should you consider when creating a business model? How should you evaluate and test a new model? A business model defines how a company creates, delivers, and captures economic value. Drawing from concepts in the books Business Model Generation and Running Lean, we’ve created six exercises containing several business model questions that will help you devise a model that fits your vision. Continue reading for these exercises you can do with your team.

44 Questions to Ask About Company Growth: Keep Scaling Up

Has your business stalled out on the path toward your vision? What have you failed to consider? What questions do you need to answer? If you’re a business leader, you’re concerned about your company’s growth—regardless of the phase of growth it’s in. We’ve put together 13 exercises containing a total of 44 questions to ask about company growth that are based on concepts in Built to Last, The E-Myth Revisited, Traction, and Zero to One. Read on for these practical exercises you can do on your own or with your managers.

The Impact of Federal Reserve Interest Rate Hikes on Americans

What toll are the Federal Reserve interest rate hikes having on Americans and businesses? What are the consequences if rates continue to rise? Aggressive Federal Reserve interest rate hikes have driven borrowing costs to painful heights, jeopardizing US household and business finances. Americans are struggling with soaring mortgage, credit card, and auto loan rates, accumulating record-high credit card debt. Here’s a look at the impact the rise in interest rates is having on Americans.