Monthly Archives: October 2014

BC Hydro and First Nations in British Columbia are having a conflict about The Site C Clean Energy Project (Site C). BC Hydro is planning to build a dam and hydroelectric generating station on the Peace River in northeast B.C. which is First Nations’ territory. B.C. First Nations are against to this project and notified B.C. that they have to pick either Site C or LNG (Liquid Natural Gas).

If we analyze the business model canvas in external environment the role of the First Nations is impossible to ignore. Since the First Nations have an ownership of the land being discussed, they have a right to control what happens above it. First Nations are important as they make up societal and cultural external factors that can essentially shut down BC Hydro’s project. This is why BC Hydro needs to take into consideration the First Nations and create a business strategy that will be beneficial to both parties.

In one article, Premier Christy Clark said, “partnership doesn’t mean [the government and the First Nations] won’t have disagreement.” Just like any other business transaction, communication needs to be present between the First Nations and BC Hydro to resolve partner issues and be successful.

http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Premier+urges+cooperation+more+litigation+government+natives+reach+fork+road/10194776/story.html

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/site-c-or-lng-pick-one-say-b-c-first-nations-1.2776481

As an international student at UBC who is paying quite the tuition fee, this blog post of Zi Hao (Leo) Li caught my eye. Frankly, international students pay way too much money for their tuition. Generally, it costs about two to three times as much as domestic student’s, and domestic student’s tuition is overpriced as it is.

It is understandable that universities, as one kind of business, need to make the most profit out of their business. However, if the business does not consider  their customers,  such as increasing the cost on their products or services, all the customers will become uninterested.

Back in high school, I had many friends who were international students and wanted to go to university in Canada. Unfortunately, due to the cost of overpriced tuition, it prevented them from attending. The cost of tuition alone is enough to prohibit eager students from applying to a specific university. The main purpose of a university should be to educate those who are willing to study and learn. These days, I strongly feel that universities are forgetting their initial role, and instead, attempt to make profit. It is about time that universities return to the origin of why they were made.

Zi Hao (Leo) Li’s post: https://blogs.ubc.ca/zihaoli/2014/10/05/rising-costs-of-education/

http://www.newstalk1010.com/news/2014/09/10/study-university-tuition-in-canada-to-rise-13-percent-in-4-years

http://business.financialpost.com/2014/09/11/canada-tuition-fees/

As Vivian Lee addresses in her blog post, everyone already knows that the leading companies in technology, Samsung and Apple, compete with each other.  Not surprisingly, the two companies have had many issues with copying each other.

In Vivian’s blog post, she says, “Companies are constantly changing their features to catch up, and if they run out of ideas, the concept of “me-too development” seems to be a good way to go, too.” I personally do not agree with her statement. Companies are responsible for inventing their own products and offering unique services to their customers. Of course, there are some features and technologies that could be similar to each other. However, it should not turn into “a competition of copying each other.” 

Apple has their own unique style of product that their customers like,  as well with Samsung. For example, Apple always has used the differentiation strategy, making the company unique. The iPhone has a relatively small screen, which Apple users love. However, the new iPhone 6 has a bigger screen, which mirrors Samsung’s products. By copying each other, they will lose their identity as a brand, and could lead to a loss of customers. 

Vivian’s post: https://blogs.ubc.ca/leeviviann/2014/09/22/so-whos-the-copycat/

http://money.cnn.com/2013/08/08/technology/mobile/apple-samsung-timeline/

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2469720,00.asp

“We believe the in-theatre experience is the best forum to experience a movie.” – Mike Langdon, Cineplex Entertainment’s director of communications

Netflix, one of America’s most popular online media streaming site, recently announced that they will release their first featured movie, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon – a follow up of  2000’s Oscar winning movie. Initially, Netflix planned to release the movie both on their website and IMAX theatres. However, AMC Theater, the operating company of IMAX, announced that they will boycott the movie.

What is the main purpose of companies and businesses? Their main purpose is  to provide goods and services that customers need or want. Several people who want to watch movies simply do not have enough time to go to an actual theatre. Companies like Netflix hear the public, and have fulfilled the wants and needs, by providing an alternative to watch movies outside the theatre. As technology progresses, people’s lifestyles change accordingly. Businesses always need to consider these changes, to adjust themselves respectively to fit customers’ new needs and wants. Netflix’s latest tactic was a smart move, and is fitting for the society we live in. However, companies such as AMC, refuse to alter the base of their company, for fast-moving customers.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/netflix-deal-to-screen-crouching-tiger-sequel-slammed-by-theatre-chains-1.2782265

Is Netflix Trying to Kill the Movie Theater Once and for All With ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 2’?

http://time.com/3450854/amc-netflix-imax-crouching-tiger-hidden-dragon-boycott/