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.

The article posted by Jonathan Juvik caught my attention because it is a prime example of companies trying to ignite new niches into the city of Vancouver. Personally, this style of housing was always more appealing than the typical Canadian house. High density living creates a greater city like atmosphere. This can potentially lead to an increased population that will boost the economy. Jonathan makes a great point, by stating that Canada may not be the prime spot for this style of housing, because the greater amount of Canada is the countryside. However, there is nothing wrong with bringing this housing to the major cities of Canada. Through my observations, I believe ” Micro-Condos” will be very successful within these major cities. Even though the prices may be higher, this is exactly what city folk are searching for, a small, trendy and elegant loft. Overall, this was a great blog post completed by Jonathan Juvik.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/the-inside-story-of-why-blackberry-is-failing/article14563602/

As BlackBerry is a popular topic in class, this article interested me, as I wanted to see more details behind the decline of BlackBerry. It seems BlackBerrys decline had two main catalysts. Firstly, their failure to create and “ iPhone killer “ ignited their fall. Verizon gave BlackBerry the opportunity to create a phone that would be iPhone competitor, but this resulted as a “ flop.” Verizon immediately turned to Motorola and Google to create an “ iPhone Killer.” This goes to show how scarce opportunities can be. Secondly, once BlackBerry felt the pressure from the iPhone, they began to shy away from their routes that made them successful. They introduced an all-touch smartphone into a market that was already “crowded” with them. This article highlights the importance of balance between new innovation and staying true to your roots. BlackBerry left the roots that made them successful, resulting in their ultimate downfall of a 965 million dollar second quarter loss and 4500 lost jobs.

http://www.bnn.ca/News/2013/9/27/Want-fruit-with-your-burger-McDonalds-expands-anti-obesity-push.aspx

This article caught my attention, as it is a prime example of how external forces such as government and organizations can have an effect on companies. McDonald’s is once again implementing changes to its menu to satisfy these external forces. McDonald’s is taking two major steps towards a healthier menu, which include adding healthier options to value meals and increasing the marketing surrounding water, milk and juice in its Happy Meals. What surprises me the most is why these changes took so long to come into affect. Obesity has been a big problem in America for many years, as one third of Americans are obese, leading to an increased nations healthcare bill. McDonalds is taking a step in the right direction as they plan to work together with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to expand the popularity and accessibility to fruit and vegetables. McDonalds will act as an example for other companies as they are considered the “ trend setter “ among restaurant chains.

http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2013/01/19/lance-armstrong-shamed-by-doping-scandal/

In early 2013, Lance Armstrong admitted to taking banned substances, which he once denied taking, while being interviewed on the Oprah Winfrey show. This confession led to national outrage as his miracle story of overcoming cancer and continuing his Olympic career was now considered one big lie. His mistakes are obvious in that he should not have lied about doping. Not only does Armstrong face personal humiliation, but he is also facing the disappearance of his sponsorship deals and the humility of having to walk away from his self-founded charity Livestrong. Armstrong has lost immense amounts of money as sponsors including Nike, Trek Bicycles and Giro have all ended their affiliation with the former cyclist.

The repercussions behind Lance Armstrong’s lies not only affect him, but also all the people that viewed him as a role model. This once amazing story that gave people with cancer motivation is now tarnished forever.