In the article of “The Power of Virtual Integration: An Interview with Dell Computer’s Michael Dell”, the author interviewed with the successful business giant, Michael Dell, and pointed out the key to Dell’s success.

Dell’s business model is a combination of efficient supply chain and focused strategy. This model allows Dell to minimize cost, speed time and specialize its customer segments. By eliminating the middleman, Dell could reduce operation cost and accelerate inventory turnover. It also diminished the cost of warehouse storage and extra administration expenses.  It assembles computer from parts as all of components arrive. Then the finished computer is shipped directly to the customer’s hand via UPS or FedEx. The entire process is cost efficient and time efficient. Through this virtual integrated supply chain, Dell has created strong relationships with manufacturers, suppliers and customers.

Dell’s success proves its business model of value chain is powerful, and both cost and time efficient. Today’s best practice in supply chain is virtual integration. Virtual integration relies on information technology to improve the value chain of manufacturers, suppliers, and customers. We now have the technology and tools to do so. Virtual integration eliminates the need of physical production, shipment or handling any products as they are outsourced. As a result, a business is able to concentrate on its brand and target market development.

Work Cited:

Magretta, Joan. “The Power of Virtual Integration: An Interview with Dell Computer’s Michael Dell”. 18 March 1998. Harvard Business Review. 10 November 2014.

https://hbr.org/1998/03/the-power-of-virtual-integration-an-interview-with-dell-computers-michael-dell/ar/1

Image Cited:

http://ch.hothdwallpaper.net/wallpapers/hd/256461/home-1600×900-dell-logo

http://mytechnews.tripod.com/features/20000930dell.htm

As I browsed through the different articles online, I found an interesting one which is about social enterprise. This article is written by one of our beloved lecturer at Sauder School of Business, Jeff Kroeker, who is also a member of our Comm101 team. In the article, he talks about a small Canadian business named Oser-Duro Clothing. The company specializes in the production of fashion clothing in Ghana, West Africa. Unlike usual enterprise, Oser-Duro Clothing is defined as a social enterprise, which focuses on the contributionto local communities by offering job opportunities to African women.

Running a social enterprise is not an easy job. The founders or owners apply commercial strategies to achieve both financial return and create social value for the society. In this case, the two partners encountered the issues of product quality control and low productivity. They strived to improve production process to meet quality standard for high-end U.S retailer. On the other hand, they were committed to provide ongoing training to their employees.

In conclusion, Oser-Duro Clothing operates in a sustainable and ethical manner. It links fashion to economic, social and environmental impacts. This social enterprise has achieved both financial and social returns on the investment.

Works Cited:

Koreker, Jeff. “Production issues threaten to unravel high-end fashion label”. 13 September 2013. The Globe And Mail. 9 November 2014.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/sb-growth/going-global/production-problems-nearly-unravel-high-end-fashion-label/article14286870/

Image Cited:

http://www.richmondsocialenterprisepartnership.co.uk

http://thinkchangepakistan.wordpress.com/2012/01/12/pakistans-top-social-enterprise-in-2011/

I read through an article named “Millennials Will Change The Workplace”. I strongly agree tothis topic and have some opinions on my own.

Millennials are certain generation whichdrives and dominates our future. This young generation is featured with learning passion, flexibility, socialization, creativity and innovation.

The lifestyle of Millennials is different from the previous generation. The previous generation tends to strictly follow the fixed work schedule and obey the rules of workplace.The majority of them prefer working at the office, whereas the majority of Millennials prefer flexible workplace, such as working at homes or flexible working schedule. Millennials even value workplace flexibility higher than the pay plan. This phenomenon illustrates their work- life balance lifestyle.

Millennials want their workplace to be social and fun. They like to work on a team and tend to get recognition and feedback from their peers and managers. They more value their working environment and condition when they apply for and stay with a job.

Be aware of the millemmials’ needs, the organization should design and implement its’ structure to promote collaborative virtual team and cross function project team. Also, the organization strives to develop better working environment and condition to improve employee’s job performance, increase job satisfaction, promote innovation and encourage leadership.

Works Cited:

Williams, Ray. “Like it or not, Millennials will change the workplace “. 16 September 2013. Financial Post. 4 November 2014.

http://business.financialpost.com/2013/09/16/like-it-or-not-millennials-will-change-the-workplace/

Ganapathy, Shankar. “10 Millennial Personality Traits That HR Managers Can’t Ignore”. MindTickle. 11 November 2014

http://www.mindtickle.com/blog/10-millennial-personality-traits-hr-managers-cant-ignore/

Image Cited:

http://www.sourcelink.com/blog/matt-haskell/2013/05/24/millennials-business-and-social-media

Ganapathy, Shankar. “10 Millennial Personality Traits That HR Managers Can’t Ignore”. MindTickle. 11 November 2014

http://www.mindtickle.com/blog/10-millennial-personality-traits-hr-managers-cant-ignore/

As I read through Richards’ blog, I find it’s interesting that more and more music lovers choose and use online music streaming service to access their favorite songs. They have shifted their ways of listening music from purchasing the traditional albums to access free online streaming music sites. This change has resulted in continuous decreasing of album sales in the mainstream market. Spotify is a recognized online music streaming service provider in this emerging market.

As one of music lovers and funs, I appreciate Spotify has stepped in and brought the innovation to the new market.

Firstly, Spotify brings innovation of media technology to the music industry. Spotify gives you instant access to whatever you like at anytime and anywhere. Spotify works on your computer, mobile, tablet and TV and allow you download music legally and listen to offline.

Secondly, Spotify creates new market by attracting different set of consumers. Formerly, the only and illegal way to download free music is to download pirate version through file sharing platforms.  The majority of listeners choose to download pirate version music because they have no enough motivation to purchase albums or online music. Spotify provides free and legal download for this type of consumer.

Thirdly, Spotify creates new value network. Spotify has acquired The Echo Nest means the importance of digital technology used in music industry. In addition, Spotify has established the partnership with Yahoo. Yahoo will integrate Spotify’s music service into its media network.

In conclusion, Spotify has generated the disruptive innovation to the music industry. The new market and value network created by Spotify are making challenge and disruption on the existing market of albums and download purchasing, and illegal downloads.

Reference:

Music Industry and Online Music Streaming- A Response to Will Zhang’s blog

Image Reference:

https://press.spotify.com/int/2013/01/22/logotype/

By reading Genesia Tang’s blog, I learned that “Sandwich Me In” is a small restaurant that produces sandwiches and salads in Chicago.Its core value of sustainability differentiates this business from others.

From my point of view, “Sandwich Me In” is a successful and sustainable business. Though it’s unable to generate large amounts of profit as large corporations do, but the business value held inside is admirable and the social impacts delivered are no less than multinational corporations. There are several reasons to support “Sandwich Me In” is successful and sustainable.

Firstly, the sustainable value held and shared in “Sandwich Me In” precisely fits Michael Porter’s famous Five Forces of Competitive Position model. For most of companies, their only goals are profit maximization,no matter what kind of negative impacts to our societies. “Sandwich Me In” stands out through its mission of making a world a better place and brightening people’s lives.The restaurant development focuses on the connection between society benefits and economic progress.

Secondly, “Sandwich Me In” creates the society benefits through its operation in several aspects.Within two years, it produces zero ecological footprints; it regenerates used cooking oil as biofuel and generates wind energy to power up restaurant etc. These sustainable practices allow “Sandwich Me In” to differentiate from other competitors and attract those environmentally conscious customers besides the normal customers.

In conclusion, “Sandwich Me In” is a successful business because it demonstratesits competitive strength of sustainability and creates positive influence on the society.

References:

https://blogs.ubc.ca/genesiatang/2014/10/21/sandwich-me-in-sustainability-at-its-core/

Image Reference:

http://thechicagoelstopfoodhuntproject.com/2012/10/20/i-managed-to-sandwich-in-sandwich-me-in-and-it-was-well-worth-the-effort/