We live in a world today where technology is indispensable, but at the same time leading us to a cautiously optimistic future. It is evident that technology has taken dominance over the past recent years in all generations. My cousin, who is 5 years old, is already enjoying his daily hours playing angry birds, where as I would have been reading “old fashioned books”.  It is a fact that our becoming too dependent on technology is gradually influencing children’s behaviour and way of living .

Hard copy text books are already disappearing from the market, in favor of the creation of the kindle or e-book. After having read Andy W‘s blog post and his opinion that kindle for children is perhaps optimal, I have to strongly disagree. I believe it is necessary for children to grow up with hard copy books with different pictures and shapes; engaging the child while reading the book. It allows the child to gain emotional and intellectual experience. Technology will continue to improve and become convenient beyond expectations, however I believe it is our job to keep an eye out for young children. Hence I believe, although technology can add to our lives, it at the same time, takes away. 

It is becoming more difficult for lower income students to climb the economic ladder. Joe Liu mentions in his blog that people who go into trade are more successful than people who graduate with a college degree. I agree with his statement that college is becoming less attractive due to complimentary loan for most people. However at the same time, I have to disagree that more students succeed without education, as education is becoming an essential fundamental business tool to succeed in the future. Hence it is harder for the poor to prosper, further reinforcing economic inequality. Past statistics prove that the key to success naturally becomes the ability to afford higher education. The United States, a democratic country demonstrates the phenomenon of widening gaps between the poor and the rich. Being in democratic state, the equality in social, economical and cultural conditions should be practiced

freely.

However income brackets disallow students to accept the option even if desired. This hinders all potential as well as students’ motivation to do well in school. It is now the case that more and more American students study abroad in India where they can receive quality education for less expensive tuition.

Ingvar Kamprad, a well known entrepreneurial businessman, is the founder of the prominently successful business; IKEA. His approach to this new idea of “equality shopping” proved phenomenal. His creativity allows him to attracts his consumers with up-to-date unique furniture design and a low attractive prices, targeting all classes of consumers. His innovation in opening IKEA stores world wide further proves his risky nature as an entrepreneurial. The incongruent and unexpected background of the creation of IKEA further demonstrates Kamprad’s entrepreneurial nature. The overall inspiration IKEA has given thrives to display a successful entrepreneurial business. IKEA’s largest strategy was to expand its market globally, and succeeded through low priced goods. I believe IKEA achieved its low selling prices through economies of scale; a rapid global expansion of its company. Along with its potential fear of supply not meeting demand, IKEA should however consider its potential competitors and whether their assets are being put to good use. They should now consider moving towards a different target market, as customers grow more affluent; the variety and quality of furniture they produce.

http://www.docshare.com/doc/116936/IKEA-as-an-example-of-entrepreneurial-busines

Coca Cola launched a marketing campaign early this month releasing 1.4 billion white Coke cans across America and Canada. It is a campaign to protect the arctic habitat of its long beloved mascot since 1922, polar bear. They announced they will donate an initial $3 million dollars; $1 million from customers. This campaign will not only help raise awareness of the acrimonious environment but also lead to a better company reputation. Coke is now questioned whether they are solely donating or if it’s a market strategy.

Taking into consideration the corporate social responsibility Coca Cola may have, I believe Coca Cola has integrated that idea into its marketing strategy. Coca Cola is deliberately imposing an image to we consumers minds that they are contributing to the world wildlife fund through sole consideration for the polar bears. An example may be seen in Andrea’s blog where she describes she only found out through Coke’s campaign and finds them altruistic for making donations. However from last years figures, Coca cola made a net income of $11.8 billion, demonstrating that $2 million dollars is not a great portion. Hence creating a win-win situation for Coke, I believe it is a smart marketing decision made by Coca Cola.