CBC Archives

Divide the class into small groups. Have half of the groups brainstorm ideas about the phrase “business failure factors,” while the other half brainstorms about the phrase “business success factors.” Students should list all the factors that contribute to either failure or success in a competitive business environment. Ask one representative of each group to present the group’s list to the class. Create and post a master list of both business failure and success factors.

Direct students to the topic Eaton’s: A Canadian Institution on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. Students will view Clips #2 and #8 and summarize the key points that contributed first to Eaton’s success and then to Eaton’s demise. If time permits, students can browse other clips for more information.

Students will work in pairs to submit a written analysis of how the business decisions made at Eaton’s affected the company’s retail business operation.

Have a representative of each pair present the key points of their analysis. Summarize the factors that contributed to Eaton’s success and failure and compare the new lists with the original lists prepared in the Before Exploring section.

Students can expand their analysis by comparing Wal-Mart’s success in Canada with the demise of Eaton’s. Have them respond to the proposition: Wal-Mart in Canada did everything right and Eaton’s did everything wrong to compete successfully in the late 20th century retail market.