BT Group, a British telecommunications company based in London, will soon be setting up a free wi-fi network in the city of Cardiff. To go along with the wi-fi network, BT also promises to boost 3G and 4G networks  within the city center. BT announce that, “Initially, access to the Cardiff Council Wi-Fi service will be free and unlimited to all, whilst BT Broadband customers will always be able to get free, unlimited usage,”.

From a business standpoint, this is a very good strategy. Customers will be lured initially with the free wi-fi, then get hooked with the increased performance of 3G and 4G networks. The increase of customers in Cardiff will be inevitable.

Images:

http://business.bt.com/assets/img/content/primary-tabbed-bt-wifi.jpg

After reading Julie’s blog post about TOMS methods to combine social enterprise and profit-making, I needed to voice my opinion. The so called method is know as the “One-For-One” Model. For each pair of shoes purchased from TOMS, one is donated to children in need all over the world. Now it has launched an online marketplace, making it easier for customers to buy/donate straight from the website. It is amazing how Social Enterprise can be linked to such great profit. Perhaps it is the feeling of spending and giving at the same time that attracts customers from all segments. Whatever the case, the idea is working and prospering without the looks of slowing down.

Articles:

http://venturebeat.com/2013/11/05/toms-launches-online-retail-marketplace-to-give-back-more-than-shoes/

Images:

http://venturebeat.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/toms-shoes.jpg?w=558&h=9999&crop=0

Snapchat Co-Founder and CEO Evan Spiegel was reported to have turned down a $3-billion bid from Facebook in mid November. This was more than double the amount of $1-billion offered by the same social network giants just one year earlier. Snapchat currently has no revenue stream, but there is potential for advertising revenues. So why would they turn down such a substantial offer? The number of Snapchatters has increase immensely in the past two years with recent numbers of 200-milion in June to 350-million in September. Clearly the CEO of Snapchat feels that his company is worth more than it had been offered. The company still has growing to do and only time will tell if it lives up to all the hype.

Articles:

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/the-23yearold-snapchat-cofounder-and-ceo-who-said-no-to-a-3bn-offer-from-facebook-8940433.html

Images:

http://cdn.imore.com/sites/imore.com/files/styles/large/public/field/image/2012/12/snapchat_ui_hero.jpg

In late October, Facebook had finally taken down a beheading video of a woman in mexico. The graphic video had been circling around for months and instigated a public uproar. Facebook was heavily criticized for not taking down the video. To make matters even worse, news reached the public that Facebook was lifting a ban on images of graphic violence imposed in May. The defense given by Facebook was that they were allowing graphic images to promote awareness rather than celebration and stood firm on their ground.

Facebook uses IT and information systems to bring users of the site content that they want. In this case it seems graphic images are not what the majority of people would like to see. From my point of view it is more than justified for them to remove the video. On a blog I read by Ashley Feinberg, she mentions the family aspect and age restrictions of Facebook’s action. I completely agree on this matter, I could not imagine myself as an 11 or 12 year old and being exposed to these graphic images. It would scar me for life. I am anxious to see when Facebook will ban images of graphic violence for good.

Articles:

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/oct/23/facebook-removes-beheading-video

Images:

http://www.ijreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Facebook-thumbs-down.png

Dish Network Corp. is about to close around 300 Blockbuster locations across the US by early January. This could be the final end to Blockbuster’s struggle in the past decade. With Netflix and online video streaming becoming increasingly popular, there was no hope for Blockbuster. An estimated 2800 people will lose their jobs when closing time comes. However, 50 privately owned franchises will remain open.

Unfortunately, this is one of those cases where “The first mover advantage” does not end so well for Blockbuster. I remember a time when I was young that Blockbuster was busy and in high demand. As time went on and I learned about the internet, youtube, Netflix, and online streaming, Blockbuster just vanished from my mind.

Articles:

http://globalnews.ca/news/950569/dish-to-close-rest-of-its-blockbuster-stores-in-us/

Pictures:

http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/blockbuster-store1.jpg

 Thailand has once again been a victim of a disaster that has damaged their tourism industry. On July 27, an estimated 50,000 L of crude oil leaked into the Gulf of Thailand according to oil giant PTT Global Chemical. The oil drifted to popular tourist destinations, causing tourists to flee. Last year, Bangkok, Thailand became the most visited city with 15.98 millions visitors spending one night or more. This is not the first time Thailand has been hit in the tourism industry however, who could forget the tsunami of 2004 that killed nearly 230,000 people in 14 countries. The military coup in 2006, the 2010 political protests and the floods of 2011 are just a few examples of many more.

 Agreeing with the article and being from Thailand myself, i would predict that the tourism industry will most likely recover. Thailand has had the most experience of any country in maintaining a flourishing tourism industry while dealing with a disaster.  This is mainly because we have a strong reputation or “image” set in the mind of tourists. The beautiful sights and attractions outweigh the negative impacts and visitors recognize that as well.  We are known as “The Land of Smiles” and it shall be known for all time.

Articles:

http://world.time.com/2013/08/08/the-koh-samet-oil-spill-is-just-the-latest-tourism-disaster-to-hit-thailand/

Images:

http://cdn.theatlantic.com/static/infocus/thaioil073113/t01_RTX125JS.jpg

Valve’s “Steam Box” Console

This past summer, Valve, the maker of countless hit games and owner of steam a digital distribution platform announced that it will be releasing a new console known as the “Steam Box”. So how will this compete with the current market holders PlayStation and Microsoft XBOX? Their main objective is to bring the perks of PC gaming into the comfort of the living room. In a sense, bridging the gap between PC and Console gaming.

I think this is a bold move by Valve and an unexpected one in many ways. The barriers to entry of the gaming console market are extreme to say the least. PlayStation and Microsoft make up somewhat of an oligopoly with the exception of Nintendo. It will be difficult for the Steam Box to compete. I believe they have done a fine job in differentiating their product. One example is advertising the connection between PC and Consoles. However, they have also released a new design controller, with the most obvious change being no joysticks. This could drive away consumers who prefer the old controller design and would rather not waste time learning how to use a new controller.

New Steam Box Controller

Articles:

http://www.theverge.com/gaming/2013/10/2/4793728/gearbox-pitchford-says-steam-box-wont-challenge-consoles

http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/valve-steam-box-release-date-news-and-features-1127072

Images:

Figure 1                                                 http://knightvision.farmington.k12.mo.us/knightlife2/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/steamboxmockup.jpg

Figure 2  http://cdn2.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/games_consoles/Valve/Steam%20Controller/controller_bindings-580-90.jpg

Qatar wins bid for the 2022 FIFA World Cup

As the hosts for the 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament, Qatar has recently come under fire for its inability to deal with problems concerning extreme heat conditions, and worker’s rights. International soccer officials have discussed the possibility of moving the dates for the tournament from summer to winter in order to cope with the heat. They will also address the working conditions or laborers associated with construction of stadiums and other structures that will be used during the tournament. There have been reports that hundreds of workers have already died and casualties expect reach 4,000 before the tournament even begins.

From a business point of view, moving the date of a competition that has always been held during summers is not the best idea. As stated in the articles, there will be an overlapping of soccer/football competitions causing problems in the marketing sector. This in turn also lowers the amount of revenue the World Cup would have with no overlap. The reported deaths of workers is a troubling matter. Accidental deaths are understandable, but consistent casualties due to the extreme heat? That is unacceptable. Qatar must improve conditions if it wants to keep its title as hosts.

Articles:

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/03/sport/football/qatar-world-cup/

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/oct/04/world-cup-2022-fifa-sepp-blatter-qatar-worker-deaths

Images:

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aolnews.com/media/2010/12/switzerland-2022-socckim.jpg

The importance of ethics in business is immeasurable. One topic I would like to address today is product testing on animals.

An article on SMH talks about L’Oreal’s methods of production in China. L’Oreal is banned by European Union rules from testing on animals within the EU. China’s government however, requires animal trials for every product. In China, companies are also required to submit samples of their products for testing at local laboratories. PETA estimates at least 72 animals are used for each product. Research shows that around 4249 beauty products were introduced in China last year. This computes to about 300,000 animals used in tests, according to Bloomberg calculations.

From an ethical point of view, animal testing should not be allowed or required in any business/organization. In my opinion, it should be banned worldwide.

Sources: http://www.smh.com.au/world/loreal-buys-back-into-tests-on-animals-20130823-2sgzu.html

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