” If the United Nations was fully funded why would we need the Arc or social enterprise”?

The purpose of the United Nations strictly speaking is to: “maintain international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promote social progress, better living standards and human rights”.

The Arc initiative seeks to build a genuine relationship between the UBC students, Sauder School of Business alumni and faculty, with communities in South Africa, Ethiopia, Columbia, and Rwanda. Through building a two-way exchange of business and skills not only does this create opportunities for entrepreneurship but enables individuals in third world countries to receive education on how they can start successful companies that can contribute back to their community.

Even if the United Nations was fully funded it would still be crucial for these social enterprises to exist because first of all, even with full funding which can ensure healthy living and standards, the promise of further education cannot be ensured. Secondly, if the Arc initiative provides a two-way beneficial relationship, countries lacking the educational attention should definitely take advantage of the accessibility to further their knowledge on how to create a business that can contribute as well as benefit the society they live in. Moreover, the Arc initiative is more likely to yield more long term results that can prove to be highly beneficial for the community than the United Nations that may only be able to provide help in large quantities but at sporadic intervals.

http://www.sauder.ubc.ca/Global_Reach/ARC_Initiative

http://www.un.org/en/aboutun/index.shtml

As of last Tuesday, Rogers and Shaw officially launched their joint project Shomi: a new streaming service that carries a wide variety of over 12,000 hours of films and TV shows. The release of this joint venture will surely tackle Netflix, currently on top of the leaderboard for streaming content, although it is difficult to say if whether users will switch over as the cost per month for both services currently stand at the same price of $8.99 after a free month trial.

This was a bold move for Rogers and Shaw yet not completely unexpected. Not only did Netflix’s disruptive innovation as a internet streaming platform completely kill DVD rental industries such as BlockBuster, but it reduced television subscribers as well. It is actually extremely clever for Rogers and Shaw to bounce back from Netflix’s blow to their numbers by spinning this situation into an opportunity to come back stronger and positively tackle the current threat in their industry. Shomi may have to face the challenge of entering the market since Netflix has been the dominant provider with little competition for years and is favourable in consumers minds due to familiarity of this. Canada’s delay of putting out a competitor to U.S.-based Netflix Inc has also been criticized but hopefully due to the currently limited online streaming providers this will be overlooked and Shomi will emerge successfully in the next few years.

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http://www.worldtvpc.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/shomi_canada.jpg

http://media.darpanmagazine.com/news/content/rogers-shaw.jpg

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/review-is-shomi-a-better-streaming-service-than-netflix/article21453921/

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/new-rogers-shaw-video-streaming-service-to-match-netflix-cost/article20204045/

While browsing fellow classmate blogs, Heidi Lung‘s post “Ever wonder why you were forced to download Facebook messenger?” stood out in particular. Not only am I another fellow bitter Facebook user who tried to avoid making the download as long as possible, but one who faced inconvenience since my phone did not have the space available for the application. Users who do not have the messenger application are completely blocked from accessing Facebook messenger on their mobile devices, which when on the go is extremely bothersome.

Heidi raises a good point on how despite the short aggravation users faced from Facebook’s insistence on downloading Facebook messenger, this clearly was a smart long run decision by Facebook. I personally never would have downloaded Facebook’s messenger application if it was optional, even if it offered better upgrades and features. By nudging users to switch over to the quicker and smoother messenger application not only does Facebook improve their quality of service but increases the number of users on this extended application which can easily create a new revenue stream for Facebook.

This article expands on how the Facebook messenger application can make profits in the near future. Although Mark Zuckerberg states Facebook has no intentions of going in the direction of easy advertisements, they have considered expanding as a “promotional tool for consumer products”. Stickers, cute little emoticons sent through messenger, are an opportunity that could generate profit if Facebook decides to work with Disney or other animation studios. A prime example of this promotional tool was last year when “Despicable Me 2” stickers were released closely to the launch of the second film. It’s interesting to see how such a simple concept can still drive revenue.

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http://techifreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/644698_162696197226388_2095957007_n.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Y1mf8x3IgM/Udm6MSnMzfI/AAAAAAAABNY/wonTscglTkU/s400/Despicable+Me+2+Smileys.jpg

http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-how-facebook-messenger-could-make-money-2014-11

In the case of Taseko Mines it is clear to see how the First Nations can play a social and political external factor to the success of their business. While they did acknowledge their environmental review was imperfect, the mistake of not fully taking the First Nation’s stance into complete consideration is a huge contributing factor for the loss of their mine site. Not only did the First Nations swiftly take down the uninvited entrance of a possible mine site with a Tribal Park, but ensured protection for their heritage landscape from future industrial sites. Had Taseko taken additional steps to analyze the current and past political issues surrounding the First Nations and their land they may have approached with a better business strategy that included benefits for the First Nations.

A prime example of this can be seen from another article shared below. Just this week the federal government’s property arm, Canada Lands Company was able to form partnerships with three First Nations and strike a deal of $307.2 million for valuable Vancouver land. Despite numerous attempts from developers over the past few years nobody had been able to get their hands on the properties until now. What was different this time around?  The three nations received $86 million of the company value and had their local residents’ concerns assured by Canada Lands. Through keeping up communication with the First Nations and taking into consideration their view this business deal was able to be successful.

“I think what is really exciting is that at one time the three First Nations would compete with each other for the scarce resources within our territories but now by coming together under the protocol agreement and with cooperation and collaboration we are able to achieve better results for our members.”  – “Chief Ian Campbell, an elected councillor and hereditary chief of the Squamish First Nation”

http://www.vancouversun.com/business/commercial-real-estate/Huge+land+deal+opens+tracts+Vancouver+development/10252565/story.html?__lsa=6140-bd03

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/metro/Unilateral+park+declared+Tsilhqot+includes+Prosperity+mine/10192766/story.html

I won’t lie, Sabrina’s post definitely caught my attention because food was mentioned and one of my favourite guilty pleasures nonetheless!

The article raises awareness to such a common hurdle for many businesses that often leads to their ultimate downfall. A change in consumer’s preference and taste is one of the hardest to overcome because human behaviour can be unpredictable. One of the most noticeable differences in the childhood of children growing up in the 2000s versus the 90s is the spike in healthy eating. While this is a good direction to go in for the sake of this generation’s health, understandably this cannot be good press for companies that produce unhealthy snacks. This made me question if I was in Kraft’s position how I would realign the company when faced with the wave of healthy conscious eating which was a really stumping question. Interesting enough I started thinking about how the cola industry has managed to continue to thrive despite the reality one can has roughly 39 grams of sugar. Cola is not by any means the healthiest option but Coke and Pepsi have already made such an impression on consumers that it keeps them coming back. This had me questioning how it was possible and how could Kraft follow suit? I believe Kraft has made a good step in repainting their image as a “fun” snack but they shouldn’t stop just there. If other companies that produce unhealthy drinks or foods are still going strong Kraft should take a few notes and see what could work for them. Sabrina raised a good point that Jell-O’s presence has disappeared in recent years so a huge comeback is crucial and necessary if they want to break back into the market.

http://www.caffeineinformer.com/sugar-in-drinks

Tangoo is a Vancouver based company with the mission to eliminate the stress of planning a fun night out and expand horizons so meeting new and different types of people is not only possible but done effortlessly. The company’s original strategy was through online bookings and upfront paying consumers could enjoy a three-course meal by hopping restaurants having their bills paid already. The problem that soon arose was that customers were cancelling or signing up last minute. Instead of trying to salvage their losses they decided to change their business strategy and transform Tangoo into an app that matches restaurants to users based on their mood.

Tangoo’s founder and CEO, Paul Davidescu, came up with the idea for this company while he was getting his Bachelor of Commerce from the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia. This really brings to light how entrepreneurship can spring from anything. It’s interesting to see in this new day and age what types of businesses are emerging to take advantage of the constant opportunities with technology. I believe Tangoo made the right decision because they took a weakness and turned it into a strength; creating a free app eliminated their previous booking dilemmas and simultaneously invited a larger audience to participate.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/sb-managing/leadership/dinner-planning-company-re-emerges-overnight-as-pocket-concierge/article20898113/

One week ago Polaroid released their Cube, a small compact HD action-video camera priced at $99; a price much affordable than a GoPro (the leading action-video camera) listed at roughly three to four times the price of the Cube. Polaroid aims to make the Cube a more versatile camera that appeals to not only thrill-seekers but also the general public who can integrate the Cube into lifestyle segments.

The Cube is a perfect example of how important company positioning can be. Polaroid is famous for creating the revolutionary instant photography; their name almost always instantly recognized whenever photography is discussed. Although they hold a high position within instant photography, this does not insure their success in expanding to action-video cameras. Their brand name will definitely help but the level of success the Cube achieves depends on more than the company’s previous achievements. As a product entering an already established market, they unfortunately do not have the upper hand of being the first leader. Despite this, based on the descriptions it does appear the Cube is prepared to offer a unique spin on the traditional small action-camera through a variety of colours and cute features such as a magnet on the bottom of the block that attaches to any metal surface. Either way, this new product will be an interesting disruption in the photography market. Up until now there has been limited options in the market for smaller high quality cameras. Having a lower price enables the Cube to have a wider target market as it can appeal to a variety of age groups. For anyone who has an occasional hobby for photography and is on a tight budget, this product is both exciting and reasonable.

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-09-23/polaroid-cube-going-after-gopro-with-a-99-action-camera#r=most popular

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/06/business/cvs-plans-to-end-sales-of-tobacco-products-by-october.html?_r=0

Think about the last large retail chain store you were in. What were deciding factors as to why you chose to shop in or enter the premises? The answers may fall in a range from “it was the closest store nearby” to “it has everything I need”.  Focusing on the latter, it is prevalent by the success of large retail chain stores such as CVS that carrying a variety of appealing products to consumers will increase the number of shoppers. One of the many products that bring in customers and contribute to CVS’ annual sales are cigarettes and tobacco. Unfortunately, these prominent items have negative contributions to the community of cigarette users who have a growing mortality rate caused by smoking. CVS is no stranger to the hypocritical case that is the store providing pharmaceutical care whilst selling cigarettes and tobacco (causes of the many diseases and illnesses they offer to treat), and has declared to end the sale of cigarettes and tobacco after October 2014.

A problem faced by many companies today is the balance between social responsibilities while keeping the company’s best interest, commonly found to be creating the most profit. By ending the sales of cigarettes and tobacco after October not only is CVS making a bold step in the direction of painting a better picture of themselves in the eyes of healthy living advocates, but risking an estimated drop of $2 billion in sales. One particular statement that stands out from the excerpt in “The Social Responsibility of Business is to Increase Profits” is how a business can do good but at their own expense, which proves to be true in this scenario. Fortunately, this $2 billion loss in sales does not seem to be detrimental in the grand overview of CVS’ overall sales. CVS’ decision does not only help them overcome their previous ethical problem as their standing can be understood by majority of the public, but additionally it makes a loud statement as they are one of the few large retail chain stores that has done something against the sale of cigarettes and tobacco to reduce the staggering numbers of new smokers. CVS is a leading example to other large retail chain stores to take notice of their contribution to the rising problem of deaths caused per year by smoking and second hand smoke. CVS is not targeting one single audience with this decision but in fact is trying to appease several. In the article it states this decision will have an impact on the “share of stock annually” which may not be stockholders favourite words to hear. Luckily, the company has given much consideration on methods to “offset the impact on profits ” which is why the drop this year will not be a full 17 cents but “6-9 cents” as they will continue to sell their “remaining inventory of tobacco products”. By consciously planning out the direction CVS intends to go in, plans of opening up over more than “700 MinuteClinics” are sound preparations for the growth projected in the future and satisfies financiers. It is fortunate that the case CVS argues is so understandable that suppliers and even the portion of communities who may be smokers can understand why they have gone this direction. At the same time, this has had positive responses from consumers.

As someone who often shops at CVS while in the states I can personally say this decision is neither encouraging or discouraging in regards to shopping there, though it is pleasing to know the direction they are heading in is healthy. There needs to be more of that.