http://blogs.ubc.ca/lydialin/2014/11/10/blackberry-seeks-to-expand-in-china/

In her post Lydia says that “Blackberry utilizes the focus strategy (differentiation)”however, I consider that Blackberry has not worked enough to differentiate its product from other smartphones in the market. When I read and watched a video about the new Passport, I did not get the feeling of seeing something new. I think that the company is not offering a product whose attributes are unique nor better than the ones offered by other companies, or at least their advertising is not showing that.

In order to succeed, the company should try to innovate and create a product that is exclusive. Nowadays, the smartphones market is highly competitive and some brands have already a position in the consumer’s mind. It is important to say, that these brands are going more and more global, which makes it even more difficult to establish a position anywhere. For these reasons, I consider that it will not be easy for Blackberry to enter in the Chinese market. However, I agree that a partnership will be very beneficial right now. Working with companies such as Lenovo or HTC Cop., might help Blackberry develop a new device that stands out.

References

Lin, L. (November 10, 2014). Blackberry seeks to expand in china. Retrieved November 11, 2014, from http://blogs.ubc.ca/lydialin/2014/11/10/blackberry-seeks-to-expand-in-china/

http://www.womenonbusiness.com/cost-savings-telecommuting-1-trillion-per-year/

I never imagined that telecommuting could be beneficial to society. It is amazing to know that tele work could have a huge economic impact on the nation, companies, employees and the environment. I think this info graphic will definitely change the way of thinking of many people or at least make them consider this option. This will be an incentive to some companies to incorporate this work arrangement mainly because it will allow them save reduce their costs.

I have always considered that allowing employees work at home, will affect negatively their performance and will cause the company to lose money. Being at home, employees might be more tempted to procrastinate and will have more distractions. As Susan mentioned: “not all employees are good candidates for telecommuting”. However, now knowing the cost savings that telecommuting implies, I think that every company should consider this option.

Before making a decision, companies should carry out a careful analysis to see if the company itself is suitable and  hire employees that show talent and strong commitment to work. Businesses will not only have economic benefits, but they will also be able to hire those who were did not use to be hired because they could not live near to their jobs.

References

Gunelius, S. (2014). Cost savings of telecommuting would be over $1 trillion per year. Retrieved November 9, 2014, from http://www.womenonbusiness.com/cost-savings-telecommuting-1-trillion-per-year/

Picture. (1997). Retrieved, 2014, from http://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~eecsba1/sp97/reports/eecsba1d/report/figs/telecommute.gif

In Ecuador, the families that receive money from a family member who works illegally in Spain or the United States, usually do not know how to use these funds. Instead of investing that money in order to  satisfy their basic needs, some Ecuadorian families use it  to buy luxury articles. In 2012, I volunteered in a small community in my country and I noticed that sometimes  people did not even had where to sleep, but they had the biggest TV or a brand-new car. This observations made me conclude that the problem is not a lack of resources but a lack of knowledge on how to manage those resources.

The same happens when the United Nations provides a country with funds. Citizens allocate their resources incorrectly impeding them to make a long impact. This is why social enterprises and initiatives such as Arc, play an extremely important role in our society. Arc provides the people in underdeveloped and developing countries with the knowledge to manage their resources the best way possible.

I think Arc is a great initiative and I found it really inspiring. In the future, I  would totally love to be a social entrepreneur and help the small Ecuadorian communities!

References

Kroeker, J. (2014). Retrieved November 8, 2014, from http://news.ubc.ca/2014/06/30/upward-arc/

Photograph. (2012). Retrieved November 8, 2014, from http://berbula.blogspot.ca/2012/04/otavalenos-por-el-mundo.html