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Marketplace for Friday August 15, 2014
Aug 15, 2014

Marketplace for Friday August 15, 2014

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Starbucks changes some of its computer-driven scheduling policies, and we use it as a way to explain the growing phenomenon of using algorithms and big companies to schedule employes to manage labor costs — and the (negative) consequences for them — lost hours, flexibility, control. Plus, Coke is acquiring a 17 percent stake in Monster Beverage for just over $2 billion. The energy drink business is booming and the soda business — not so much. So Coke wants an energy jolt from Monster... but to get it, it's exchanging its own energy brands for Monster’s non-energy drinks.  We use Coke to look at swaps. What they are, why they’re done and whether they work. Also, the 2014 United States Open Miniature Golf Tournament that begins in Erie, Pa., today. Prizes are small, but apparently there’s enough action that it can sustain a pro circuit, Queena Kim reports.  
 

Segments From this episode

When does a start-up stop being a start-up?

Aug 15, 2014
Is it measurable by time, employees, or the number of beanbag chairs?

Big college football donors pay for access, even glory

Aug 15, 2014
Now you too and run out onto the field... for about $1,500.

Do consumers have to shop to save the economy?

Aug 15, 2014
Kai discusses the week that was.

Jawbone tracks big cities' 'Zzz's

Aug 15, 2014
The Wall Street Journal visualized hundreds of Up users' sleep schedules.

Starbucks brews changes to its scheduling algorithm

Aug 15, 2014
Starbucks isn't the only company that uses workers when, and only when, it needs them.

Coke gets an energy jolt from Monster, and vice versa

Aug 15, 2014
Coke is acquiring a 17 percent stake in Monster Beverage for over $2 billion.

Celebrities get out of the prepaid card business

Aug 15, 2014
There are some things a famous name just can’t seem to sell.

The U.S. Open is rolling, for mini golf

Aug 15, 2014
Prizes are small, but there’s enough action to sustain a pro circuit.

Starbucks changes some of its computer-driven scheduling policies, and we use it as a way to explain the growing phenomenon of using algorithms and big companies to schedule employes to manage labor costs — and the (negative) consequences for them — lost hours, flexibility, control. Plus, Coke is acquiring a 17 percent stake in Monster Beverage for just over $2 billion. The energy drink business is booming and the soda business — not so much. So Coke wants an energy jolt from Monster… but to get it, it’s exchanging its own energy brands for Monster’s non-energy drinks.  We use Coke to look at swaps. What they are, why they’re done and whether they work. Also, the 2014 United States Open Miniature Golf Tournament that begins in Erie, Pa., today. Prizes are small, but apparently there’s enough action that it can sustain a pro circuit, Queena Kim reports.  
 

Music from the episode

Collard Greens ScHoolboy Q, Kendrick Lamar
Black Balloons Local Natives
We Good - Instrumental Pete Rock