First Nation people and the Canadian government have been in dispute for years over land issues, but at the same time both are trying to improve their relationship.

Recently, a group of First Nation chiefs urged the Canadian government to reject Site C, a BC Hydro’s hydroelectric mega-project that will cost $8 billion to construct. The project is to build a dam on the Peace River, which will damage farmland, disturb wildlife habitat, and affect First Nation practices.

Due to First Nation people’s intervention, BC Hydro would possibly suffer huge potential loss. I think the company should have planned more carefully on where it builds this project because it is important to understand the macro-environment. The Constitution Act in 1982 gave First Nation people the ownership of massive land properties. Therefore, knowing the fact that Canadian government always has the tendency to appease First Nation people to improve their relationship, BC Hydro should not cause issues between them and the First Nation group. In this case, BC Hydro should not plan a project near First Nation properties without First Nation people’s agreement. However, BC Hydro can try to improve the current situation. For example, the company can alter its original plan to decrease potential harm on the environment. Also, BC Hydro can offer the First Nation community a portion of its profit to make up for the lose it brought to the community. This time, BC Hydro cannot avoid losses but it learns how important it is to examine the macro-environment carefully.

Article link:

http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Premier+urges+cooperation+more+litigation+government+natives+reach+fork+road/10194776/story.html

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/First+Nation+chiefs+stage+Site+showdown/10215965/story.html

Reputation of a firm among its current and potential customers is extremely important for that firm to earn maximum profit and to beat its competitors.

Recently, GM, the once No.1 automaker in US, has dropped to a rating of 71. This happened due to the fact that GM recalled more than 500,000 vehicles and would stop selling two models lately. These vehicles and models either have existing or potential problems that can possibly cause serious accidents.

What GM has done greatly affected its reputation. According to the article, this recent recall is not the worst one—GM once recalled 2.6 million vehicles after defective ignition switches caused 23 deaths. The company’s multiple recall history creates a sense of distrust among its customers. People will start worrying if the GM vehicle they bought or will buy has similar recall concerns. Therefore, the amount of GM vehicles customers are willing to purchase will experience a drastic decrease and the company will as a result earn less profit. Also, once the car buyers are no longer interested in GM and turn to its competitors, it will take GM lots of effort in the future to try and regain its customer segments.

The most urgent step GM needs to take after fixing the existing problems is try to win its customers back. More advertising is definitely needed, as well as some appropriate promotions.

It is also important in the next step to make sure no further recall situations will happen. The company should pay extra attention to the manufacturing processes and maybe even consider re-examine its production line.

However, although GM has fallen from No.1 to No. 71, it is likely for the company to catch up again and take its place back. In order to achieve such goal, GM must distinguish what are the most urgent and important things to do while leaving less urgent/important ones for later.

Article link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/news/recalls/gm-to-recall-524384-vehicles-for-latch-and-loose-part-issues/article20908713/

Unemployment rate always has certain connection to economic growth and decay.  The unemployment rate in the United States dropped to 5.9% in September 2014. This has been the lowest rate ever since 2008.

Decrease in jobless rate is a sign for economic growth. The increment of US dollar index is bringing the country’s economy out of recession into recovery. The better the economy is, the more jobs can be offered to the public, and the better quality the jobs are. The article indicates that more than 240,000 job positions were offered in September, and 30% of them are professional and business services with relatively high-paying.

Due to the assumption that US dollar index will keep increase for a while in the future, it is also reasonable to assume that jobless rate will decrease further more.But, in order to make sure this decrease happens, firms needs to encourage more jobless people to look for and apply for jobs by adjusting wages higher. Right now there are around 100,000 jobless who are not looking for jobs. If firms offer more opportunities while more people are attempting for these opportunities, employment rate will increase even more.

The increase in employment rate means more money can be spent on goods and services, which will ultimately assists in capital cycle and improve the economy.  Therefore, it forms a beneficial cycle which economy will constantly get better.

Article link: http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/u-s-jobless-rate-drops-to-6-year-low-of-5-9-1.2786576