Picture Credits

Scott Simpson’s article “This ‘one percent’ group has Explicit Eco-agenda: Companies direct fraction of gross revenues to environmental projects” in the October 24^th issue of the Vancouver Sun outlines the new 1% for the Planet project.

Simpson quotes 1% for the Planet (1% FTP) CEO, Terry Kellogg, that 1% FTP is a program companies can join by dedicating 1% of their total revenues to help the environment.  A portion of this 1% will go towards the 1% FTP program; whereas, the remaining portion of the money will be donated to an environmental group of the companies choice.

Simpson cites Kellogg who says that “businesses have been joining [1% FTP] at a rate faster than one per day” (Vancouver Sun).  As there is an increasing consumer demand for more environmental products and an expectation for more socially responsible companies, many businesses are jumping on the “bandwagon” to become more sustainable.

I believe 1% for the Planet is a great program.  The environment is benefiting as environmental awareness is spreading.  Businesses are benefiting by marketing their environmental-friendliness using the “1% FTP” logo on their products.  This program creates a win-win situation for both the environment and companies.

Original Article Here

1% for the Planet Website!

Relating back to Class 13’s discussion on the importance of inventory, Sharon Silke Carty publishes the article “Chrysler Wrestles with High Levels of Inventory as Unsold Vehicles Sit on Lots” in USA Today on November 2nd, 2006.

Chrysler Logo: Picture Credits

The article reveals that in late 2006, more than three-quarter of Chrysler’s inventory is filled with its 2006 models; whereas, other companies have started producing 2007 models. Silke Carty quotes Chrysler which reveals that it has around 50,000 vehicles sitting in the storage lots unsold. Chrysler’s main problems are that Japanese and Korean cars dominate the automobile market and high gas prices make consumers reluctant to purchase pick-up trucks and big SUVs. Silke Carty also quotes AutoNation’s president Mike Maroone, that Chrysler hasn’t “yet right-sized production with demand” (USA Today). This means that Chrysler is producing vehicles that are not in demand; hence, these unsold vehicles deteriorate in the storage lot, or are forced to be sold at low prices.

This article reinforces the importance of inventory management. If inventory increases and sales do not, then the company will start to lose profits. This situation will continue to worsen until the company begins to produce products that are demanded.

Original Article: “Chrysler High Inventory”

Question: What comes to mind with the words…

Smart phone?    iPhone.

Music device? iPod.

Purchasing music?  iTunes.

Laptop?   MacPro.

Portable Tablet?   iPad.

Referring back to the class discussion on brand value.  In 2010, the number one company with the most valued brand is Coca-Cola, followed by Google in fourth place and Apple in seventeenth. In Interbrand.com’s study of the top brands in 2011, Apple, unsurprisingly jumps to eighth place with a 58% change in brand value from last year.

In Nick Bilton’s article “Disappointment? Apple’s iPhone 4S Breaks Sales Records” in The New York Times on October 10th, he cites how Apple reveals that its new iPhone 4S reaches more than 1,000,000 orders within the first 24 hours; whereas, compared to the iPhone 4 released earlier, sales only passed 600,000 orders.

How did Apple’s brand value change this dramatically within one year? I believe that the demand for Apple products is creating a trend. Apple continuously produces similar products, but with updated qualities; yet, consumers are willing to purchase these “improved” products. Hence, innovative products and consumers’ high demands make this company profitable.
2011 Best Global Brands

“Apple Breaks Sale Records with iPhone 4S”

Picture above is taken from Zenilshroff.com  Credits

In relation back to the communications discussion in class eight about mobile apps, Dianne Buckner’s article, “Want to get noticed? Sadly, there’s no app for that” in CBC News explores the expanding idea of creative apps. Buckner cites Bruce Croxon from the television series “Dragon’s Den”, that the advantage of using apps is that “anybody can create” one; however, the disadvantage is also that “anybody can create an app” (CBC News).  Businesses are using apps as a promotion method. Since creating apps “no longer requires huge teams and a big investment” as Buckner paraphrases Croxon; this method to advertise is becoming increasingly popular. With already several hundred thousands apps, how do companies stand out? Buckner quotes apps entrepreneur Tamara Vulkusic that an app name has to represent what the app is. As technology advances, more companies rely on IT to market their products or services. Apps are convenient. They can easily be accessed through mobile smart phones. With this is mind, I believe creating an app no longer makes businesses unique, instead, creating an app is becoming a mandatory trend for businesses.

Original article can be found here: Dianne Buckner’s Apps article

In The Globe and Mail article “U.S. Personal Income Falls, Spending Rises”, Martin Crutsinger explores the decrease in earning for Americans, but the increase in their spending. This article relates back to the idea of economic inflation. Crutsinger reveals that the lack of new jobs and the lower wages are increasing consumers’ willingness to save money. Due to inflation, Crutsinger writes that Americans are spending more money on products such as food and clothing, but less on appliances and costly products.  This idea connects back to Class two’s discussion of needs versus wants.  Crutsinger cites BMO senior economist Jennifer Lee that although consumers are spending more; however, “the gains are pretty mediocre” (The Globe and Mail). The article states that the main reason causing this is the increase in prices such as the prices of food and gases. Although consumers are saving more of their incomes, they are required to pay more money on necessities. Despite customers spending more money, with rises in prices, the economy in fact has not gained a significant growth.

The original article can be found on The Globe and Mail website here:

“U.S. Personal Income Falls, Spending Rises”