Monthly Archives: October 2012

“Always Fresh.”

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Michael Porter argues that an organization’s strength ultimately falls into the categories of cost leadership or product/service differentiation. By applying these strengths, three strategies result: cost leadership, differentiation, and focus. (See Porter’s Generic Strategies)

Tim Hortons is a firm competing in the coffee and bakery industry, and is one of the most successful. According to this blog, they “provide their customers with a sense of national identity and pride.” In other words, their marketing strategy can be categorized in the “focus” section of Porter’s chart. Tim Hortons may not have the best of anything, but the emotional connection and brand loyalty they enjoy in Canada is exceptional. The title of Sally’s refers to Tim Hortons as a “Canadian Icon”, and so it should. Named after a Canadian Ice Hockey player, they have ingrained themselves into the Canadian culture. Although they may not offer any special product only unique to their store, they have focused on the Canadian consumer market and succeeded in building a coffee franchise empire.

“As Canadians, we’re a little bit insecure culturally, given U.S. media and cultural domination, whether it’s the CBC — our TV network — hockey [or] Olympic victory, we cling to our remaining cultural icons. Tim’s is one of them.” – Pete Blackshaw

Although the focus strategy is not the only way they compete in their industry, it is definitely one of the most prominent strategy.

Reference:

  • “Sally Chen’s Blog.” Sally Chen’s Blog. Sally Chen, 24 Sept. 2012. Web. 09 Oct. 2012. <https://blogs.ubc.ca/sallychen/>.
  • “Porter’s Generic Strategies.” Porter’s Generic Strategies. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Oct. 2012. <http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/generic.shtml>.
  • “Why Do Canadians Love Tim Hortons So Much? – Coffee Blog.” Why Do Canadians Love Tim Hortons So Much? – Coffee Blog. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Oct. 2012. <http://www.wired.ca/why-do-canadians-love-tim-hortons-so-much-022022.php>.

New law in Japan will hopefully reduce piracy

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According to this article, a new law has been passed in Japan, where an individual can face up to two years in prison and pay fines for possessing illegally downloaded music. Japan is trying to follow the success of Korea, where laws require one to “send notices to users who illegally download music, with 70% of infringers stopping after first notification”. (IFPI)

Ever since Professor David Silver gave his lecture on business ethics, I have been intrigued by the topic. Those in the music industry would argue that piracy is unethical. However, one of the solutions taken to prevent piracy in the US is SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act), which will prevent people from visiting certain cites. Many would argue that censorship limits one’s freedom of speech, and therefore is unethical. The question is: who is right?

Many equivocate piracy to theft, and numerous countries have started to take action against it, which is something I personally support. I think the new law passed in Japan should be something other countries consider. Without limiting individuals to do anything legal, those who break the law will pay the price for their lack of ethics. At the same time, I believe it is important for those who attempt to prevent piracy to consider their methods of doing so, so as not to lose any customers.

 

Reference: 
  • Voigt, Kevin. “Download ‘pirates’ Face Jail under New Japanese Law – CNN.com.”CNN. Cable News Network, 01 Oct. 2012. Web. 03 Oct. 2012. <http://edition.cnn.com/2012/10/01/business/japan-music-piracy/index.html?hpt=ibu_c2>.
  • “Contact Congress Now!” American Censorship. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Oct. 2012. <http://americancensorship.org/infographic.html>.