To sell or not to sell?

John Smith wns a small marketing research firm in Cleveland, Ohio, which employes 75 people. Most employees are the sole breadwinners in their families. John's firm has not fared well for the past two years and is on the verge of bankruptcy. The company recently surveyed more than 2,000 people in Ohio about new car puchase plans. The study was done for the Ohio Department of Economic Development.  Because the study identified many hot prospects for new cars, a car dealer has offered John $8,000 for the names and phone numbers of people saying they are "likely" or "very likely" to buy a new car within the next 12 months. John needs the money to avoid laying off a number of employees. Questions: Should John smith sell the names? (Be sure to answer the poll to the left of this post.) Also, Does the AMA Statement of Ethics address this issue? Go to the AMA website (American Marketing Association) to see whether their statement of ethics relates to John  Smith's dilemma.  Do you think this is a common dilemma?  You can blog on this issue.

Facial Recognition Software -- Marketing Tool and Privacy Concerns

What experiences have you had with facial recognition software used by businesses? How can they be leveraged for marketing applications? Should marketing companies address the associated privacy concerns? Here's a link to an early article these technologies. Another article in Time

The Popularity of the Produce Aisle

The produce aisle in our supermarkets is diversifying; many stores have redesigned their stores amid increasing pressures from packaged-food manufacturers who want to put their products next to the lettuce. Stores are finding that consumers consider any packaged food placed there to be fresher -- the "halo effect," as some consumer behavior researchers have dubbed it. Read this article (and view the video) from the Wall Street Journal to learn more. What is the primary purpose driving this trend? Are there any risks (for the supermarkets and/or consumer) associated with changing the merchandising and layout of supermarkets? Can you come up with an experimental design or other research method that could test whether any of these layout design ideas are effective?

For more information...

Contact the editors listed on this page or leave a comment here.

Collaboration & Creativity

A collaborative relationship between organizations is one important approach to creativity and innovation. New ideas and initiatives often emerge with the combined expertise of leaders at two organizations. Mark Zuckerman, the Chief Executive of Facebook, says his company will offer the ability to chat one on one with your Facebook friends. (I remember that about a week ago Google did something similar.) Here’s an article that offers insights into the new collaborative relationship between Facebook and Skype. What other collaborative efforts might be in store for Facebook? What might the downsides be to such collaboration?

(MKTG) How to Market on Facebook

Here's a good article that might get one started.

(OB & INTRO) 100 Years After Triangle Fire, Tragedy in Bangladesh and Anti-Union Bill in Wisconsin Highlight Workers' Enduring Struggles

Labor without unions? Read about some parallel events in history. 100 Years After Triangle Fire, Tragedy in Bangladesh and Anti-Union Bill in Wisconsin Highlight Workers' Enduring Struggles