In the glamorous life of a student it is considered lucky to eat breakfast and be able to wake up at the cringing sound of an alarm clock. Lunch always seems to come at an awkward time of day, where we grab food at the closest and cheapest place. Usually convenience and cheap doesn’t seem to collaborate well with healthy, actually they seem to despise each other.

So how does the up and coming world of healthy fast food sound? At first you may be thinking of dollar signs, but one company has differentiate itself and found a way to produce healthy affordable options for on the go lunches. Tender Greens, a healthy fast food joint, is a rapidly growing start up company in California. With the growing demand they found themselves in need of a reliable produce supplier. The idea to turn old abandoned buildings into indoor growing facilities was created, making it a one of a kind sustainable business practice. This company is trying to fuse healthy living, affordability and convenience while trying to convince the consumer they can deliver all this.

This seems to be more of a movement. Many of the fast food places similar to Tender Greens, are now becoming a popular trend as many are jumping on the health food band wagon. Consumers however, are demanding the top quality ingredients with the added ambiance of a finer dinning experience.

As a student I understand the need for a healthy place to eat that serves real nutrition in a take out box. So lets skip the theatrics, hand me my salad and let me try to beat this freshman 15.

Works Cited

LI, Shan. “Bye-bye, Burgers: New Fast-food Chains Bet on Healthy Eating.” Los Angeles Times. 2 Nov. 2014. Web. 10 Nov. 2014.

It is interesting to see Canadians crossing the border in hopes of better sales even as our dollar drops to lows of 88 cents and is expected to reach 84 cents, a level that hasn’t been seen since 2009. Canadians are not choosing to shop at home because there is little to no incentive and flee in search of US bargains.

As a retail addict naturally I spend my time at the mall in search of killer deals, but retail in Canada seems to come with a lot of frustration. In search of a winter coat I came upon a largely known retailer offering a $25 gift card with the purchase of $100 or more. From an advertising perspective I felt they had done enough as I, the consumer, was enticed. A closer look at the fine print revealed I could only use the $25 on my next purchase, before the 11th, and it could only be used on the purchase of a dress. What’s next, are they are going to restrict me to the colour blue? When is a starving student, such as myself, going to use $25 towards a dress in the dead of winter?

Even if their tactic was to sell more dresses this winter season they lacked a great deal of integration and fluidity among department heads. Whichever accountant crunched the numbers for this so called ‘sale’, on for a very short time period, needs to better integrate their strategies with those marketing to the consumer. And try to stay clear of the fine print please.

Sincerely, a consumer.

Works Cited

Strauss, Marina. “Retailers Face ‘Bah Humbug’ Festive Season as Consumers Tighten Wallets.” The Globe and Mail. 30 Oct. 2014. Web. 10 Nov. 2014.

Buckner, Dianne. “E-commerce Explosion Coming for 2014 Holiday Shopping: Dianne Buckner.” MSN News. CBC, 2 Nov. 2014. Web. 10 Nov. 2014.

This week focused on the theme of people, culture and teams. With upcoming presentations, I was immediately drawn to the blog “Are You Letting Your People Shine?” by Glenn Leibowitz. Throughout the course of the semester class topics pertained and integrated many aspects of our group projects. Specifically, this post discusses how employees, colleagues and team members are being treated for their contributions. Over the course of one’s career, one will face many instances where culture plays a large part in different business aspects. For myself I see it as one of the most important and challenging ethical practices to balance.

‘Give them a chance to present their work‘ is a key section of the post which talks about letting go and allowing your team members to fully discuss their ideas, learn how to take ownership of them and in turn take away a valuable development from the opportunity to present their idea. It builds a sense of team work and confidence among peers and colleagues. It is of the utmost importance that one always has respect towards their team members and coworkers. A positive environment allows individuals to feel a sense of well-being and the opportunity to increase productivity.

Works Cited

Leibowitz, Glenn. “Are You Letting Your People Shine?” Linkedin. 7 Nov. 2014. Web. 9 Nov. 2014. <https://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20141107162950-98412130-are-you-letting-your-people-shine?trk=tod-posts-post1-ptlt>.

The opportunity to create a company that encompasses social responsibility practices has many companies rethinking the way they do business. This post stems from the idea of my classmate Farwah Ahmed who shares in his blog “Corporate Social Responsibility: Beneficial or Detrimental?”. The goal is to make corporations see the end result, not to be about making money but implement responsible practices to do good. Why do companies choose to practice corporate social responsibility(CSR). Is it for the sake of the company’s reputation, or is it for the sole purpose to integrate CSR practices to promote ‘good’ with the opportunity to increase profits.

There are four aspects in which the company can improve upon; ethics, community involvement, environmental issues, and well being of employees. When done properly this practice can lead to large opportunity for growth within and outside the company.

CSR has the ability to integrate into many sectors of a company. This integration changes marketing, the reputation of the brand, workplace environment and therefore has influence of productivity and profit. It greatly improves reputation which in turn promotes and attracts employees and customers that have the same values. An increase in productivity has impact to increase profits.

Works Cited

Ponio, Selena. “Corporate Executive Emphasizes Ethics in Business // The Observer.” The Observer. 4 Nov. 2014. Web. 8 Nov. 2014. <http://ndsmcobserver.com/2014/11/corporate-executive-emphasizes-ethics-in-business/>.

Vermaelen, Theo. “An Innovative Approach to Funding CSR Projects.” Harvard Business Review. June 2011. Web. 8 Nov. 2014. <https://hbr.org/2011/06/an-innovative-approach-to-funding-csr-projects/ar/1>.

In response to Ariella London’s blog post “Ebola: The Effect on Society Leaves Businesses at Risk“, the fear and anxiety over Ebola has caused major upset in social facets and global and economic sectors. Not only is Africa taking a hit economically but with growing concern Ebola may be making its international debut into the US markets through the anxiety of individuals. As of now, countries within Africa that heavily rely on the tourism industry are being threatened and seeing economic slowdown in tourism and trade. This effects Africa socially in correlation to economic slowdown because there is a trend being created through this anxiety of contracting Ebola. It is affecting demand for tourism through hotel booking cancellation and of vacation tours. Many companies and international investors are cancelling visits and some take extreme measures by withdrawing employees from West Africa.

As Ariella stated the Wall Street Journal article tells of a man who had contracted Ebola while in Africa, they mentioned he might have eaten at a restaurant, the Meatball Shop. We can just imagine how many customers remained far away from that local business. If this fear seems irrational, it is. The fear should not be placed on whether we contract Ebola but how this is effecting Africa economically and in a broader sense, in the long run how it will effect international markets negatively.

Works Cited

York, Geoffrey. “Ebola Fears Dragging down African Economies.” The Globe and Mail. 22 Oct. 2014. Web. 5 Nov. 2014.

Dawsey, Josh, Andrew Tangel, and Betsy McKay. “New York Doctor Tests Positive for Ebola.” The Wall Street Journal. Dow Jones & Company, 24 Oct. 2014. Web. 6 Nov. 2014.

“Understanding Pest Analysis with Definitions and Examples.” PESTLE Analysis. 31 Dec. 2013. Web. 5 Nov. 2014. <http://pestleanalysis.com/pest-analysis/>.

The stalled Northern Gateway Pipeline project ceases to continue due to many opposing external factors. In short, Embridge Inc. proposes a 7.9 billion dollar plan to transport oil from Alberta to Kitimat, BC and load it on to oil tankers to be shipped off to Asian markets. Although there is new opportunity for Canada’s energy operations to enter this market, there are still many external environmental factors to be assessed and integrated into the business canvas model Embridge has been trying to get off the ground. The issue surrounding the crude oil pipeline is the impact it will have on First Nation Peoples, the areas in which it will run directly through First Nations territory, and furthermore, how it will impact the environment. They are asking for better techniques to clean up potential oil spills on their territories and waters of the Pacific. This means Embridge needs implement a new strategy and possible new technology on how they would handle an oil spill if it was to occur. These issues reiterate the failure in Canadian history in executing land claim treaties to Aboriginals. Embridge has proposed a 10 percent equity steak for surrounding First Nation groups and so far 26 are in agreement with this proposal. Other First Nation groups are still very much opposed to the idea and lawsuits are major threats to the project.

Cite

Tait, Carrie. “Industry, First Nations share Northern Gateway pipeline ally in Prentice”. The Globe and Mail. Web. Sept. 09, 2014.

Krugel, Lauren. “Northern Gateway pipeline through B.C. unlikely to start up by 2018, project president says”. The Vancouver Sun. Web. Sept. 04, 2014.

IPhone! IPhone! Get your IPhone!

In technology talk the topic that’s capturing everyone’s attention is Apple and their launch of the new IPhone 6 and 6 plus.

Photographed by David Paul Morris/ Bloomberg

From a marketing standpoint all eyes are on iPhone even as Blackberry, a reemerging competitor, tries to take another go at the market with their launch of the Blackberry Passport.

Photographed by Roland Hutchinson

But recently for Apple not all publicity has been good publicity. It has become apparent that the iPhone 6 is less durable then consumers hoped for. But in ridiculous efforts to show that the product is weaker structurally, consumers are going out of their way to bend and break their brand new device. Or is the joke on the consumer in this case? You read it right, people are indeed going beyond in efforts to exposed Apple.

Video: IPhone Bending

The structural flaw in the iPhone 6 seems to be blown out of proportion. From a consumer standpoint I feel it is only some of us who are experiencing “the bend”. It is fair to say Apple makes exceptional products that are meant to withstand daily demand. It is why the waiting period to get your hands on a brand new apple device is still long. From a business standpoint, Apple is faced with a marketing challenge in damage control and clear up and notion that the iPhone 6 has structural problems. They are targeting consumers on a physical level with the look and feel of the device but also on an emotional level. The image they need to convey is how the iPhone is crafted with care and dedication to each decision and function and made to fit any need for daily use.

Cite

Giesler, Markus. “Bendgate: 5 Things Apple Will Do Next”. Marketing. Web. Sept. 30, 2014

Hesseldahl, Arik. “Bending an iPhone 6 Plus Is Pretty Darn Hard, Consumer Reports Says”. <re/code>. Web. Sept. 27, 2014

Hutchinson, Roland. “BlackBerry Passport Gets Unboxed Again”. Geeky Gadgets. Web. Oct. 3, 2014

The article “Ethnic Insights at the Heart of a Total Market Strategy”¹ makes the claim “[s]ometimes when we conduct research focused on one ethnic group, our client realizes that the insights emerging from the research are actually relevant across their entire market[.] This is how “ethnic insights” can actually drive a whole strategy—and not just enable the targeting of a narrow segment.” But to some degree I would have to disagree based on the following reasons that it does not easily comply with the value proposition canvas model and how products and services differentiate upon ethnic markets through points of difference and compare in points of parity.

Two common scenarios to expanding market segments to multicultural lengths is global outreach, where a company strives for growth worldwide. Another instance would be to reach growth within a country through other multicultural markets which have not yet been attained.

A worldwide strategy has worked for some companies, such as McDonald’s. They recently advertised their sponsorship for Fifa World Cup through a commercial that depicts difference of cultures but through a common activity, this being soccer.. But trying to find ways to connect consumers from around the world, on not only a physical level but an emotional level, is difficult. For instance, how can one create an ad that is in a different language, then what is spoken in that region, that connects the consumer emotionally to a product or service without using artificial voice over or subtitles.

The worldwide approach may be too farfetched for some companies. The article states a good remark in one which I can relate. “Canadian consumers, especially youth and urban dwellers who tend to celebrate and brag about cultural diversity, expect advertising to reflect the culturally diverse world they live in. Such advertising is often perceived to be more authentic, aware, and engaging.” There is a sense of nationality that can be focused on to unite many diverse cultures throughout Canada. On a national scale it is easier to differentiate points of parity in a brand and what makes a brand more than mainstream through points of difference. Understanding that these boundaries created by culture, produce ethnic markets which have the ability to be malleable and be used to one’s advantage.

^{1 Kathy Cheng and Robin Brown. “Ethnic Insight at the Heart of a Total Market Strategy”. Marketing. Web. Sept. 17, 2014}

We live in a generation of online users, where services and information can be found, conveniently, with a click of a mouse. Netflix, an online service that offers many programs such as television shows and movies, and other online video providers has attracted much attention to whether these internet services should be taxed and if Netflix should contribute to the Canadian audio-visual systems. If so, the question lies, what does it mean for Netflix as a business and for here customers?

Under the Broadcasting Act there states numerous regulations in which industries must contribute to Canadian film and television production and what is allowed for establishing its library content. Netflix is able to offer low cost to consumers because the cost of online video delivery is low relative to the physical delivery of DVD’s. Therefor other Canadian broadcasting networks are feeling the negative effects as they try to maintain revenue. How is it that the CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commissions) track the content users stream into their homes, it would be almost impossible. Throughout these hearings that have been held over the conflict, other stakeholders have voiced there opinions. Bringing forth ideas to strengthen broadcasting networks such as allowing customers to pay by individual television channels rather then subscribing to a bundled package. It is unknown at this point in time if networks will go forth with these ideas. Being an avid user of the service, I have reason to believe my opinion is biased towards Netflix. Netflix is a pioneer to the online streaming service and are not a TV broadcasting network and therefore should not fall under the broadcasting act. However, while hearings are still continuing on this topic, Netflix has to respect the conditions of the Broadcasting Act and the CRTC.

Cite

Pedwell, Terry. “Netflix tells CRTC consumers should vote with their dollars”. CBCNews. Web. Sept. 19, 2014

From the data displayed throughout the article the assumption that gender equality within the work place, school or even a prestigious Ivy League University such as Harvard has been reached, is a false pretense. The article predominantly focus on the gap, in wealth and academic success, between males and females. The stereotypical ideology how “[males] at the top of the heap worked in finance, drove luxury cars and advertised lavish weekend getaways on Instagram”, whereas women were treated with less respect and did poorly in class participation when up against their male peers. When placing such an Ivy League university under the microscope the results were not so prestigious. Women were being scrutinized not only for the test scores they receive, a measure of their intellect, but how they dressed and acted. The article highlights “women, especially single women, often felt they had to choose between academic and social success.” It is unfair, however, to make the statement that Harvard being a highly prestigious institute, strong social barriers tend to suppress women as they lack the confidence many males discover with their time at Harvard. It may be true in some cases but in the past generation with the growing interest on the topic there is more data and surveys. Some show females are better investors and some have information detailing what jobs women outperform males in. Being a female earning a degree at competitive business school, I believe I have the same opportunities. It’s what you make of those opportunities, the mindset you establish for yourself and how you carry yourself, is what determines your future goals and successes

The following video is a short representation of how this generation sees the controversy and if it effects there daily lives at Harvard.

Video: Millennials, NYTimes

Cite

Kantor, Jodi. ”Harvard Business School Case Study: Gender Equity.” The New York Times. September 7, 2013