The article “E-cigarettes: Kodak Moment” describes the potential of e-cigarettes in the tobacco industry. Although governments all around the world are pending to place regulations and restrictions, “the staid tobacco industry is beginning to wonder if it is reaching a “Kodak moment”, its version of the point at which the world’s leading maker of camera film realised that consumers had gone digital, and it was too late to chase them” (para. 8).

On surface value, it is obvious that e-cigarettes provide a more health-conscious alternative to cancer-inducing cigarettes. However, we must think about the effect on the industry as a whole; what does this mean for those who are already in the tobacco business? Depending on the barriers, businesses may be able to leave or realign their business strategies towards e-cigarette development and sales. Predictions state that e-cigarettes could completely take over within the next five years. Those who are quick to react will be able to develop standardized, well-developed, and highly-tested products. In a sense, it is like a smartphone battle.

Needless to say, there is a huge global market for e-cigarettes; hopefully, the government will let the invisible hand act and we will see just how the new technology will revolutionize the industry.

References

“E-cigarettes: Kodak Moment.” The Economist n.d.: n. pag. The Economist. The Economist Newspaper Limited, 28 Sept. 2013. Web.

http://www.economist.com/news/business/21586867-regulators-wrestle-e-smokes-tobacco-industry-changing-fast-kodak-moment

In Barrie McKenna’s article, we  are forced to acknowledge the bitter fact that Canada’s biggest technology firm, BlackBerry Ltd., is bound to be bought by foreigners. Similar to what we discussed in class, BB’s “prized intellectual property risks leaving the country” (para. 1). From a nation-wide perspective, BB has contributed significantly to Canada in terms of generating patents and tax credits. Needless to say, BB’s activities result in the flow of millions to billions of dollars.

From learning about the business canvas model, it is apparent BB has failed to deliver its value propositions to its desired customer segments effectively enough to generate profitable revenue streams. Blackberry has failed to notably innovate.

While the government can try its best to save the famous Canadian company, buyers are readying for the acquisition process. Conversely, the Canadian government has simply not done enough to encourage research and development firms in the country. Our country pays out “$4.5-billion more a year in licensing fees to foreigners than it collects from others” (para. 13). Blackberry easily broke barriers-to-entry only to fall back out.

References

McKenna, Barrie. “Don’t Expect BlackBerry’s Patents to Stay in Canada Add to …” The Globe and Mail. The Globe and Mail Inc., 29 Sept. 2013. Web. 07 Oct. 2013.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/dont-expect-blackberrys-patents-to-stay-in-canada/article14594494/