Five years ago, the Iphone 3s was released at the price of $600. Now, the cheapest Iphone 6 plus retails for $860. As phones become increasingly expensive, inexpensive Chinese phones have become increasingly relevant. The OnePlus one, a phone which boasts of cutting edge technology, is priced at $300. Oneplus utilizes the cost leadership strategy, selling quality phones for a low price.

What is impressive about this company that it is able to offer such a high quality phone for over half the price of the cheapest Iphone 6.  In order to cut costs, The OnePlus One is only available online. To order it, one would have to be sent an invite, which one would have limited time in accepting it. By doing this, OnePlus avoids excess inventory. They would only create as much as demanded.

I feel the OnePlus One is a great product. Although the phone is inexpensive, it doesn’t compromise on quality. This market segment (inexpensive quality smartphones) is becoming exponentially larger and OnePlus is doing a good job in securing it.

Work Cited: Economist, The. “Chinese Phonemakers Are Preparing To Take On The World.” Business Insider. Business Insider, Inc, 26 Oct. 2014. Web. 27 Oct. 2014.

“OnePlus One Benchmarks.” Phone Arena. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Oct. 2014.

Picture: OnePlus One. N.d. N.p.

The more I read about Tom Dobrzanski’s business, the more I realize how ingenious it is. The business model involved investing in a one-time cost that allowed Monarch Studios to profit for many years. After the initial cost was covered, revenue was very similar to profit due to the limited variable costs. This business is a prime example of Porter’s product differentiation strategy. Prior to this company, there were only top studios. Bands that did not use them had little choice but to record in their homes. Dobrzanski realized this, and created a studio that was professional yet affordable. He business helped create value for his customers, and as a result, his business is highly profitable.

It is very admirable how Dobrzanski was able to turn his passion for music into a business. His use of networking and his excellent business model helped turn Monarch Studios into a success story. Furthermore, the idea of combining living space and work space was incredible. It would not be surprising to see Monarch studios expand due to the increasing demand and relatively low startup cost. As a current Sauder student, I am very proud of his ingenuity and achievement.

Work Cited

Kroeker, Jeff. “How to Build a World-class Recording Studio on the Cheap.”The Globe and Mail. N.p., 5 Oct. 2012. Web. 23 Oct. 2014.

Picture: Marie, Issha. Monarch Studios Owner Tom Dobrzanski. N.d. Monarch Studios, Vancouver.

Throughout history, the First Nations people have been treated poorly. In 1876, The Indian Act passed by Canada allowed Canada to send First Nation children to residential schools where many were tortured and forced to adopt the “English culture.” Residential schools didn’t shut down until over a hundred years later.

Now, Taseko Mines plan to build a new gold-copper mine at fish lake on a site the First Nations people have declared a tribal park. By building a mine on this park, irreversible damage will be done to the ecosystem. This company should not continue the mine at Fish Lake. Not only will it cause massive destruction of the ecosystem, but will offend the First Nations people who consider it a tribal park. The federal government and federal panel rejected the project for a reason, Although Taseko Mines plan to dispute this in court. Although there is much monetary gain, the cost is too great. Business ethics should have the company executives thinking closely about this mine. Furthermore, the First Nations will not sit quietly as their tribal land is destroyed. They would protest and cause project delays increasing costs. Taseko Mines should find open another mine somewhere else where they would not affect the environment.

Work cited

Pynn, Larry. “Tsilhqot’in Set to Declare Site of New Prosperity Mine a Tribal Park.” Www.vancouversun.com. N.p., 11 Sept. 2014. Web. 23 Oct. 2014.

Montpetit, Isabelle. “Background: The Indian Act.” CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, 14 July 2011. Web. 22 Oct. 2014.

Save Fish Lake. N.d. Fish Lake, Chilcotin Plateau. Web.

It seems everyone is hyped for the new Iphone 6. Even with all the problems Apple faced with the release of the Iphone 6 -buggy IOS, bending Iphone 6 Plus- customers remain loyal. Why is that? There are many other phones with better specs, operating systems, and battery life compared to the Iphone 6. However, what Apple does better than other competing brands is operations. Firstly, Iphones use IOS. While IOS has more limited features compared to Android’s operating system, it is significantly easier to use. The user friendly interface really appeals to non-tech savy consumers. Secondly, the layout of Apple stores is appealing. As soon as you walk in, you can test out their products. If you ever need help, employees are only too happy to help. Although Iphones are by no means the best phone in terms of specs, they still manage to hold a significant portion of the market share. Rather than selling Iphones for a low price, Apple incorporates Porter’s product differentiation strategy (IOS8) and manages to blow competitors away. It also helps that Apple stores are gorgeous and the employees are always helpful. Competitors may need to reevaluate their  business model if they want to beat Apple.

http://www.theverge.com/2014/9/25/6841455/ios-8-0-2-available-to-fix-iphone-6-models

http://www.statista.com/statistics/263401/global-apple-iphone-sales-since-3rd-quarter-2007/