Archive for the ‘Utility’ Category
Link: https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2018/01/30/581923542/weed-gdp
Summary: Ever wonder what goods and services contributes significantly to a country’s economy? GDP is the basic measure that does just that and, in this podcast, the director general of Statistics Canada goes on a journey to determine the figures that represent marijuana’s contribution to Canada’s GDP to see the economic effects of marijuana legalization within the country.
Original Air Date: January 30, 2018
Length: 6 minutes 4 seconds
Link: https://www.marketplace.org/shows/marketplace-tech/041917-mtech
Summary: “Move Fast and Break Things” is a newly released book about the monopolistic market structure of the internet. Marketplace interviews Jonathan Taplin, the author of the book, who is the tour manager for Bob Dylan. They discuss how the monopoly structure set up by the technology companies has ruined the communal nature of the internet. Also discussed is one silicon valley entrepreneur who left San Francisco for Minneapolis.
Original Air Date: April 19, 2017
Length: 7 minutes 35 seconds
Link: https://www.marketplace.org/shows/marketplace-tech/04202017-mtech
Summary: “Archer” debuted when the internet was taking off. Marketplace interviews the show’s technical director and actress about the role the internet plays in the success of the show. Marketplace also introduces Philadelphia’s reaction to Silicon Valley, and the recruitment of tech workers to the city.
Original Air Date: April 20, 2017
Length: 7 minutes 13 seconds
Link: https://www.marketplace.org/shows/marketplace-tech/04252017-mtech
Summary: Students in college can attest that credible sources needed for a research paper are often hard to find, especially the free ones. Marketplace introduces a new website that is the latest form of “hacktivism”, and is releasing research papers for free. Marketplace also introduces the competition between YouTube and Twitch.
Original Air Date: April 25, 2017
Length: 7 minutes
Link: http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2017/08/23/545546014/episode-652-the-hydrox-resurrection
Summary: Planet Money tells the tale of a man trying to bring back the forgotten Hydrox brand. Discussion includes close substitutes, trademarks, patents, brands, and what they communicate to consumers.
Original Air Date: September 18, 2015
Length: 19:46
Special thanks to 
@TiemesEsther for recommending this podcast
Link: http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2017/02/03/513302816/episode-752-eagles-vs-chickens
Summary: One farmer had what seemed like a great environmentally conscious plan to fertilize his soil. However, Eagles threw his plan of offering Whole foods consumers organic chicken into disarray. Planet Money discusses how the unintended consequences impacted farmer’s plan.
Original Air Date: February 3, 2017
Length: 17 minutes 28 seconds
Discussion Question: What were the unintended consequences of the farmer’s choice to use chickens to fertilize the soil? Explain how unintended consequences are important to economics.
Link: https://www.marketplace.org/2017/02/22/tech/3d-pen-kids-wins-best-toy-award-toy-fair-2017
Summary: Educational technology toys are a hot new trend in the toy market. One company, Bogue, introduced a new concept allowing kids to create their own toys through a 3-D printer. Marketplace introduces how Bogue is competing with giant toy companies.
Original Air Date: February 22, 2017
Length: 3 minutes 15 seconds
Discussion Question: What are some of the advantages and disadvantages Bogue has with creating a new category in the market? How does this impact competition?
Link: http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2016/04/27/475929464/episode-417-lance-armstrong-and-the-business-of-doping
Summary: Back in the 2000’s, Lance Armstrong and the US Postal Service Cycling team were going all out to win the Tour de France. After the doping scandal was uncovered, the business behind the team was discovered. Planet Money discusses how professional cycling was dominated by doping, and how it was set up like a business.
Original Air Date: April 27, 2016
Length: 18 minutes 25 seconds
Link: http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2016/02/17/467108611/episode-684-the-return-of-the-colonel
Summary: Colonel Sanders passed away years ago, which began the strained relationship between KFC Corporate and the KFC Franchises. After a disastrous Oprah segment leading to a free giveaway, the relationship hit rock bottom. Planet Money discusses how re-introducing Colonel Sanders (the character), led to happier franchises and more sales for corporate.
Original Air Date: February 17, 2016
Length: 15 minutes 2 seconds
Link: http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2016/01/20/463726763/episode-283-why-do-we-tip
Summary: Tipping has become a staple in many industries in today’s society. The common belief is that with better service results in a better tip. Planet Money discusses whether a tip really is an incentive to give better service, or if it is now expected regardless of service.
Original Air Date: January 20, 2016
Length: 17 minutes 36 seconds
Discussion Question: Is it unethical to not give a tip if good service was given? Or is it unethical to expect a tip given it is a loss for the consumer? Discuss the incentives and utility for both the consumer and employee regarding tips.
