My blogging experience has opened my mind to the validity of the media, the speculation of information, and my blogging practices.

Through reading the news, I observed that the media presents conflicting speculations, and it is up to us to decide on what to believe.  The media has power to control what they want us to know because they choose information to publish, and that is especially true when this power is abused.  Rather than relying on their ethics, we should work to be skeptical of information and to look broadly for the whole truth.

That is why I am encouraged to read more blogs and from different bloggers to expand my outlook on current events.  Blogs are supposed to be opinionated, so we can easily take a position on the issue based on the content and our preconceived conceptions.  This would help me develop my point-of-view and to analyze issues from different perspectives before coming to conclusions.

I would like to thank the professors and TA’s for offering me this experience to learn about the different aspects of business in COMM101.  Although the process was very hard, I now see the value of this class.  Thank you!

How does Warren Buffett get it right all the time?  This blog post, Big Blue Buffett, sheds light on the importance of being dynamic.

Buffett’s renowned investment in Coca-Cola in the 80’s has created a trend for people to follow his speculations.  The highly-respected investor believes in “value investing,” and avoids technology companies because they are ephemeral.  However, his recent buy-in of IBM proved otherwise.

Was it a wise investment?  Considering that IBM is not in the same position as it was last decade,  and that this investment goes back on his own philosophy, probably not.  But remember that Buffett invests profitably.  Also consider IBM’s shift from selling computers to selling higher margin products such as softwares and consulting services, the company may demonstrate a breakthrough.

This is a story for business to learn.  As the business world changes, companies and investors must be flexible.  IBM, once famous for computers, has changed direction in attempts to regain market power, and Buffett saw value in this.

By seeing the need to change and knowing when to change, one can be the creator of a trend instead of a follower, as exemplified in both IBM and Buffett.  And that, is the basis of their success.

Reference:
–Big Blue Buffett 

Maxwell’s blog post grabbed my attention right away.  The employee benefits listed definitely entices to work at a firm – short Fridays, international development seminars, ski trips.

Though benefits are not the top priority in job search, they are bonuses that add reward to work.  I would certainly be happier working in those environments and would be more likely to stay in the job.

I was also reminded of an infographic (see bottom of this blog post): The Perks of Working at Google, Facebook, Twitter, and More.

Apart from the flexibility in working hours, medical benefits, and facilities provided by these workplaces, the most attractive was the Beanbag lounge at Linkedin.  By inducing perks as additions to a salary, funds are less costly and more marginal, and will surely make a difference to the working environment.

They are also are excellent human resources strategies.  By showing that management cares about its employees, employees would feel like part with the organization, and thus, they would be more motivated to work hard for the company.  In this light, a little comes a long way.

From now on, I will make sure to keep an eye out for the firm’s benefits when I apply for a job!

References:
–The perks of working at Google, Facebook, Twitter and more [INFOGRAPHIC]

I agree with Joanna’s blog post regarding the Occupy Wall Street movement.  It is absurd.   Protestors have no viable goals and are merely protesting around concepts of inequality, unfairness, and high taxes.  They are just venting about their disadvantaged positions and in this way, putting the blame on society.

I also agree with her point that if the government abide with their requests, people’s motivations to protest will only be intensified.  If citizens assume that protesting would grant them the rights that they “deserve,” our government and law systems would become very disorderly.  Even now, devotion to keep Occupy protests under control could be better-delegated to solve issues, such as the ones that are being protested.

Besides, most of the problems cannot be solved instantly.  The movement has spread to different cities around the world, and I congratulate the protestors’ success in raising awareness of their unsatisfaction from all different aspects.  However, it takes time for institutions to implement plans.  Since the message has already been sent up to administration and across the world, the movement does not need to drag on.

Now, I just hope that the protest will stay legal and violence-free.  We don’t need a riot.

An entrepreneurial company is must have a pool of resources and a market.  It contrasts with small businesses in its openness to risk in order to take advantage of opportunities, coupled with innovation in its products, services, or processes in delivering the good.  This results in wealth creation of greater amounts and in shorter times.

A very successful case of entrepreneurship is Lululemon. Founded in Vancouver in 1998, the brand is now sold in over 140 stores in Canada, USA, and Australia.  Its rapid expansion allowed the company to go public in 2007, and they have continued to do well since their IPO.

Just over a decade ago, founder Dennis Wilson responded to the increasing participation of females in sports, and used technology – their uniquely comfy, stretch fabric – to develop a new line of products for this specified target market of urban women.  Yoga clothes became a daily apparel and style, and the company gradually expanded its product line to accommodate this new hype.

To consumers, the product that comes before the brand, and that is the root of Lululemon’s success.  Through innovation, Lululemon opened up a very niche market and changed the concept of athletic clothing.

References:
–Lululemon official website
–Globe and Mail: Eight fun facts about Lululemon

Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) is well-known for its prestigious football team, but when news breaks out that Penn State officials have been covering up a child sex abuse scandal, what does this show about their culture?

Jerry Sandusky, assistant coach, was accused to have raped eight boys over 15 years.  Also rumoured was that many people knew about the event but ignored it.  If shared values and beliefs define the appropriate way to think and act within an organization, did obliviousness outline Penn State’s organizational culture?

Why was this behaviour allowed to escalate?  Was this issue not foreseen to hurt Penn State’s reputation as a school and a football team?  Was it not out of moral responsibility to stand up for the children?

In my opinion, the centralized power was corrupt.  Head coach Joe Paterno, with self-driven motives to protect the name of the program and to sustain people’s admiration of him as the legendary football coach, failed to blow the whistle early.  What he did not anticipate was the worsened situation today.  In efforts to protect their reputation from the effects of one or two regretful incidents, Penn State now faces questions about its ethics and a much more serious aftermath.

References:
–Penn state officials covered up alleged sex abuse scandal
–Penn state sex abuse scandal chips at Joe Paterno legacy