When I first saw the topic I had to ask myself: “what is the point of the UN?”.  I believe that what the UN stands for is very similar to the motives behind the ARC Initiative, to give people in need a chance at a better life.  Whether it’s through financial aid or the exchange of ideas and knowledge, the result is the same.  The reason I believe that programs like the ARC Initiative and social entrepreneurship would still be needed is because the UN is intrinsically flawed.  Not only does the United Nations not represent every country, but in this case I feel like the democratic process can get in the way with decision-making.  Since so many countries are included, it can be difficult at times to come to a decision in which every delegate is happy.  With small initiatives, they can focus on the problems of a single population immediately as opposed to having to go through a long process.  Also, in my opinion, grassroots initiatives are usually more invested in these types of social issues and as such will be more committed to achieving the goal of a better life for people.

In reply to a post by Akbar Karamali, I am a real fan of AT&T’s decision to move into Mexico.  As Akbar explained in his post, Mexico has become ripe for investment, a growing middle class and government reforms make for an ideal situation.  What I like most about this move is the fact that AT&T will become the first US telecommunications company to become international.  Verizon and AT&T have been in competition for years over who gets to be the premier telecommunications provider in the States, but after this I think AT&T will take a huge edge.  With the amount of workers coming from Mexico to find jobs here there is a great demand to be able to talk to relatives back home.  Although there are currently alternatives such as Skype and Viber to talk over long-distances, having an integrated network is much more favorable.  The only issue I see with this venture is that this advantage won’t last long.  With talks of Verizon expanding into Canada, it seems like most telecommunications companies will begin going international and AT&T will lose its advantage unless it continues to expand.  However, in the meantime, AT&T has one-upped other companies with a strategy that will put them on top for the foreseeable future.

Source: https://blogs.ubc.ca/akbarkaramali/2014/11/09/att-roams-into-new-territory/

In reply to a blog by Lawson Parker concerning the implementation of a carbon tax in Canada, I believe that there could be both pros and cons from the introduction to an emissions tax.  I agree with his points on creating shared value through improving the state of the environment as well as that of the economy.  I believe that if the government went by the plan proposed (taxing carbon emissions and funneling the funds into the economy) then it would work out great, but I fear that the government wouldn’t follow this plan.  In the article, it states that the Canadian government willingly spends their money from taxation, opposite of Norway’s system of saving for future generations.  The Canadian government also doesn’t tend to invest in education and other more social outlets than Norway does.

Another issue I see is that the economies of Canada and Norway differ greatly.  Norway’s main exports are petroleum and other gas-related products, whereas Canada’s GDP is mainly composed of tech-products and natural resources, oil comprising a small fraction of that.  In order to mimic Norway, Canada would have to put more focus on the tar sands in Alberta, which is contrary to the idea behind a carbon tax.

Sources: https://blogs.ubc.ca/lawsonp/2014/11/09/norways-solution/

www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/international-business/european-business/norway-proves-oil-rich-nations-can-be-both-green-and-prosperous/article21514455/

A New York lingerie company, Journelle, truly achieves their strategic statement “[making] women feel amazing every day”.  During a time when other companies were cutting costs and releasing employees due to the recession, Claire Chambers, the CEO of Journelle, decided to increase her staff as well as upping their training.

What I think made Journelle successful in this time was properly identifying the opportunities provided by the recession: other firms cutting costs and therefore having weaker service and consumers looking to fill the gap left by those companies.  Through this examination, Chambers created shared value by creating better value propositions for both men and women, resulting in a 55% increase in profits.  Despite this, I disagree with Chamber’s idea of increasing staff.  Although the end result was a success, there was a great deal of risk associated with her decision considering the economy was in a recession.  Extra training for existing staff as opposed to hiring more staff and having to train them as well would have been a better idea.  A change in organizational structure would have worked as well, instead of having each staff member helping a customer, having a system where certain employees identify a customer’s needs and then passing them on to a different employee, presumably an expert in that category, would make the whole system more efficient while still providing excellent service.

Source: https://hbr.org/2012/10/how-this-lingerie-store-booste

“Here’s our objective: We want to create more of a family atmosphere.”

Matt Friesen, co-owner and CEO of Wantering, wants to create a strong, cohesive culture across Vancouver, New York, and Los Angeles.  These are the three cities that his company has employees in.  With the recent acquisition of StyleCo, another online fashion website based out of L.A, Frisen wants to merge the two companies and have a uniform culture.

I think that Friesen’s idea to have lunch with the employees everyday is an excellent decision.  Friesen wants to create a family atmosphere, and breaking bread with his employees is a good way to do so.  I agree with Ryan Williams’ analysis, by focusing on similarities other than differences it puts people on the same page and gives them things to relate with each other.  Another suggestion I have to add on to Williams’ comments is to continue to have these workshops.  Having locations spread across the continent is definitely an issue in creating a uniform atmosphere and by continuing to have events like this it can remind employees of the company’s values.  Lastly, I suggest Mr. Frisen prompt his employees to continue inter-communication even after the workshop.  Since he has very few employees, only seven, it will be easy for the employees to keep in touch with each other and further strengthen that familial culture.

Source: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/sb-growth/the-challenge/vancouver-fashion-startup-moves-into-the-us-in-a-big-way/article21192886/

Taseko Mines Ltd.’s New Prosperity mine project’s progress could be hindered by the declaration of a large part of the Chilcotin area as a tribal park.  Dasiqox Tribal Park’s area does not extend into the zone that the mine would occupy, but nonetheless the First Nations People are declaring it as their land.  As such the mine, which would have environmental impacts, is being opposed by the Tsilhqot’in people.

Although the project has been criticized and shot down due to the environmental pressure that the project will have, Taseko persists that the review was flawed and that their ability to hold the pollution in the tailing ponds should not be discounted.  This declaration will eliminate the chance of this project happening, as well as the numerous jobs that this project would have produced.  The band’s decision to declare more land than has been allotted to them has received criticism, mostly due to the economic boost that the region desperately needs.

Recently, the mining company’s proposal has been denied by the federal government and is seeking compensation.  This turn of events could prove to be deadly for Taseko, in the eyes of their stakeholders this could show weakness and their profits could shrink.

Sources: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/background-the-indian-act-1.1056988

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/metro/Unilateral+park+declared+Tsilhqot+includes+Prosperity+mine/10192766/story.html

http://www.mining.com/taseko-launches-civil-suit-72263/

Stollerys, an iconic men’s clothing store situated in Toronto, is set to close its doors after 114 years.  The landmark has been unable to compete with other men’s clothing companys like Harry Rosen or Holt Renfrew & Co., along with the rising propensity of online stores.  Stollerys’ manager, Victor Edwards, said that some days business was so low he’d wonder why he had even come in that day.

Stollerys launched its own online store about a year ago but whether or not it has been successful has not changed the store’s fate.  Perhaps aside from Toronto, Harry Rosen’s name carries much more weight than that of Stollerys.  As online stores are not limited to location, Harry Rosen’s online store would be much more successful and thus have a larger market share.  Since men’s clothing takes up much less space compared to women’s fashion in the clothing market, Harry Rosen pulling ahead is even more detrimental to Stollerys.  As sad as it is to see a landmark go, this recycling of brands is normal according to Porter.  His view says that to stay on top one must be innovative, but in Stollerys case, they tried to keep the same business model and thus fell behind.

Source: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/iconic-upscale-mens-wear-store-to-close-in-toronto/article20932353/

Hewlett-Packard, a giant in the technological field, could split into two companies in order to focus more on the needs of the corporate sector.  The change will separate their computer and printer services from their computer hardware business.  This split has come about due to the transition of the market into mobile computing, HP’s market value of $66 billion is overshadowed by those of Apple and Microsoft, $596 and $380 billion respectively.

HP’s shareholders have put pressure on them to cause this move.  They said that HP should focus on the more-profitable server and data-storage operations that cater to businesses.  Although moving away from companies like Apple and Microsoft that currently dominate the market, his separation could be detrimental for the company.  This spinoff could show instability which would create uncertainty in the minds of investors when they think of the two possible companies.  Before this recent turn of events, HP’s quarterly reports showed company growth as older businesses were updating their current technology.  It is difficult to tell whether HP will be better off, this risky move could give HP the #1 market share in corporate technology, or it could spell certain doom if they cannot get the necessary support from stockholders.

Source: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/international-business/us-business/silicon-valley-giant-hewlett-packard-to-split-in-two-report/article20938032/

The first brand that comes to mind when someone says “coffee” is Starbucks.  This Seattle-based company has plans to increase their already massive market share by testing out new “express cafés”.  Set to launch in New York next year, these “express cafés” will attempt to cater to people that need something quick and to-go.  The menus in these stores will be reduced to the basics in order to keep wait times lower.

This differentiation of Starbucks’ is sure to increase their market share.  They will be able to cater to those that are in a hurry and otherwise would not be able to wait in line for a cup of coffee.  This could also provide another incentive for consumers to purchase Starbucks’ coffee.  Long lines have become an epidemic, even for Starbucks whose stores are seemingly everywhere.  From personal experience, I cannot remember a time when I did not have to wait in line to purchase coffee.  For those that just do not want to wait in line, the simplified menus of the new cafés could be the solution for those that don’t want to wait in line.

Source: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/international-business/starbucks-plans-to-test-smaller-express-cafes/article20370768/