MKTG-Book publishing as new trend in business marketing

This article from the WSJ highlights an interesting trend in both publishing and how entrepreneurs manage their public relations. The trend in self-publishing books enables businesses to draw attention to themselves. Why do you believe that people, in general, are favorably impressed by someone who has written a book? Will this trend have an impact on this perception?

MKTG- Billboards that see you?

See this WSJ article on billboards that actually see you.
What capabilities does this technology have and what technical challenges do the manufacturers have yet to overcome? What other applications might this technology have other than what is mentioned in the article? How can the information obtained be used? Does this represent an infringement of privacy? Is this a healthy direction for the field of marketing?

OB-"Emerging Adulthood" -- possibilities and questions

Here is a fascinating article on "emerging adulthood," a newly defined developmental stage. The main proponent is Jeffrey Jensen Arnett, from Clark University, who will speak at KSC on November 12. It raises many questions and challenges for the workplace and beyond.

On Family Firms... Pros and Cons

Would you want your parents setting you up with a business? Before answering, read this article for relevant issues.

OB-Working with your Spouse

Can blurring the boundaries between work and family reduce stress? This WJS article confounds other literature that says such blurring increases stress. Why are more spouses working together in start-up organizations? What are the challenges and benefits of working with your spouse? How do co-worker spouses successfully share their work and family lives? How might your own experience illuminate this question?

Language and Thought

Here's an interesting article that describes the relationship between language and thought. Does language determine how we think or is it the other way around? There are also important implications for travelers and those doing business with other cultures.

The Failure of Corporate Social Responsibility

In this article, Philip Matera discusses BP, the oil disaster in the gulf, and the obvious failure of corporate social responsibility.