http://www.news.com.au/technology/gaming/the-coolest-ps4-features/story-fnjwmfre-1226762486639

This article is a prime example explaining the partnership between companies in todays world. Android and IOS smart phones have teamed up with Sony’s PS4 creating a once in a lifetime gaming experience. Now PS4 users are able to integrate their smart phones into gameplay. This partnership is very innovative as it creates a whole new level in gaming. Perhaps Sony is trying to reach a whole new market? A market of people that were not originally into gaming. Through this partnership they may be hoping to attractive smart phone users into the gaming world. It is reported that near to a million PS4’s were sold within the first 24 hours so it is apparent that these new features and partnerships and intriguing to customers.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/randalllane/2013/11/17/how-americas-richest-people-are-bringing-hope-to-the-eighth-poorest-nation-in-the-world/?utm_campaign=forbestwittersf&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social

This article is an excellent example of overall ethics, not necessarily business ethics. The article sparked my interest because it showcased wealthy business people giving back to those in need. It is very easy to forget about those in need, especially when you are consumed with fame. I commend those who take time out of their busy lives to give back to those who are in need. This specific strategy is quite extraordinary. It seems to be  growing trend of assisting entrepreneurs in developing countries just as Arc Initiative does. By assisting in the growth of entrepreneurship you are assisting in the growth of knowledge. This knowledge will be more helpful than any other donation because it will lead to an individual sustaining themselves for the future.

Jonathan brought up a great point that it seems to be a growing trend that companies do not care for the health of their consumers. This post caught my attention because just like Jonathan, business ethics are very important to me. What also caught my attention is that rather than changing the formula of Coke, Coke rather sets up a campaign to promote that the aspartame they use is safe. This is a prime example of how costs drive everything within a company. I assume that Coke is promoting the safety of aspartame rather than changing the formula that makes up Coke because it is cheaper. Another key point stated by Jonathan is that some of the responsibility should be placed on the consumer, not only the producer. Coke would not produce and unsafe product if no one bought it. It is us, the consumer, that allows Coke to continually produce an unsafe product because we are the ones purchasing their unsafe product. By purchasing this product we are saying that it is ok and we support the production of this unsafe beverage. 

http://www2.macleans.ca/canada-top-50-socially-responsible-corporations-2013/

Posted is a link to Canada’s top 50 socially responsible corporations, but what caught my attention was the section concentrated on transportation and logistics. Transportation companies are generally associated with being the main cause towards global warming but BMW is doing something to change that which I believe is very effective. BMW is holding ” annual competitions[s] for its suppliers to introduce sustainable solutions. This strategy relates to the article previously posted about changing the reward system. Suppliers will be rewarded by the fact of knowing that their innovations are making the world a better place, rather than a reward of cash or fame. Another interesting concept is the web-based carbon emission tracking system used by the Canadian National Railway Co. They allow their customers to the see the environmental effect of their shipments by providing an online carbon credit calculator to estimate the environmental impact of their shipment. I strong believe that this is a an effective way to reduce carbon emissions because by providing this calculator you are directly showing your customers the impact they are having on the environment, and in additional they now may feel an obligation to act more eco friendly.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/rabbi-returns-98k-found-desk-bought-craigslist/story?id=20862464

Although this article does not directly relate to business, i thought that it was a great example of ethics, which can be and should be incorporated into the business world. The Connecticut Rabbi could have simply kept the 98k that he mysteriously came up upon, but he rather returned it demonstrating the goodness of his heart. This example shows how easy it can be for someone or a company to take extra money without anyone knowing. Just as the Rabbi acted with ethics, all businesses should also. By acting ethically, you are giving off a vibe that you are confident with your company’s strategy.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2013/10/23/starbucks-teavana-fast-food-tea-tea-houses/3146149/

This article is a prime example of a company creating a point of difference. In this case, Starbucks is creating a new branch of their brand, that is strictly focused on tea. The new Tevana Tea Bars are centred around a ” zen-like” atmosphere. They are also strategically placed near stores whose customers are generally associated with drinking tea, such as Lululemon. Additionally, Starbucks is trying to create an atmosphere of “lingering” rather than “drinks-on-the-go.” I believe that this is a strong move for Starbucks because their customers base is extremely strong. People will not mind spending extensive amounts of money on a cup of tea, because they know Starbucks produces good quality drinks. On top of this, the new ” lingering” atmosphere will differentiate them from other tea houses.