After my last blog post, I’ve decided to do a little more research on electronics. When we think of smart phones, pads, laptops etc., we immediately think of the two most popular brands – APPLE & SAMSUNG. The two firms’ products are always appealing to consumers, high-tech, and obviously…really overrated.

Businesses often try to promote the products’ unique selling points in attempt to differentiate and stand out. At first, Iphones and Androids had distinct features – where apple smartphones were smaller in size and Samsung phones had larger screens.

Recently, Samsung Korea’s newest advertisement contained indirect mockery towards the Iphone6. After Apple has announced its newest implementation on smartphones (yes, familiar large screens), the Korea-based company has snapped back with a satirical ad that fail to deliver the appropriate wit. Samsung US has then gave Samsung Korea a hand by releasing its new ad that also mocks the Iphone6, but with a smoother sense of humor.

This had me think about how competitive and fast-paced the electronics industry must be. Companies are constantly changing their features to catch up, and if they run out of ideas, the concept of “me-too development” seems to be a good way to go, too.

Sources: http://www.canadianbusiness.com/blogs-and-comment/ads-mocking-the-competition/

http://www.cnet.com/news/apples-big-iphones-are-a-big-imitation-samsung-says-subtly-in-new-ad/

I found Lily’s post on business ethics very interesting. After reading it, I could relate to her thoughts that question whether it is necessary and ethical even, for the electronics industry to move at such a quick pace.

In her blog post, she writes, “Technology companies such as Apple fabricate our mindsets by convincing us that the idea of wearing down our electronics is to be ridiculed and that the newest model is the only way to go.” I found myself sharing her sentiments of confusion and, perhaps a little ashamed to realize that people never hesitate to retire what is still usable for a shiny new toy.

Whether the influence comes from social media, or just our surrounding, we often feel the need and desire to update to the “newest”. We have the mindset that this make us the “cooler” ones; yet when we take out stashes of money to pay for these new, luxurious devices, no one could ever stop for a second and think whether it is ethical to chuck away usable resources and allow the shiny new toys to consumer our minds.

(Lily’s blog – https://blogs.ubc.ca/lilydu/)

Image – http://infeasible.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2057466281_1359582903.jpg

Business ethics – know what is right and what is wrong

As I was browsing through the list of current events, Jason Chow’s blog post on “Good-Mouthing” had caught my eyes.

In the article, Mr. Weinstein reminds the readers that bad-mouthing is not uncommon in human nature, but “positivity, encouragement, and constructive criticism can yeild immense divends and possibly further the growth of a business.”

This blog post took a very unique approach at business ethics because it is presented in the simplest and most relatable way. People often question the cause and cure of business malpractice, but how do we fix such issues when we cannot handle the simplicity of not being rude and disrespectful?

It hit me how people over-complicate matters, blame others and attempt to find solutions out of the blue in business. Everyone knows the importance of business ethics but nobody truly knows what business ethics essentially symbolizes. It is as simple as loving and trusting your business partners, stakeholders, and one another…

photo: http://www.featurepics.com/FI/Thumb/20090317/Devil-Angel-Pulling-Person-Hands-1115783.jpg

(Jason Chow’s Blog – https://blogs.ubc.ca/jasonchow/)

MEAT IS ESSENTIAL IN OUR DIET! On average, we consume 12 ounces of meat a day and 334 ounces a month. American fast food has become a virus that people would avoid in China due to its food safety scandal that went viral on social media.

The Beijing – U.S. based food supplier spent more than two decades and $750 million building a business in China[1], in all collapsed in July 2014 when a footage of workers making chicken nuggets and patties from expired meat was shown on TV.

Clearly, the decentralized firm has managerial issues, as OSI-USA claims to be “unaware” of such unethical business practice in China. In my opinion, this is a serious problem that needs to be dealt with. Expired products could be lethal, and some businesses that promote lean production choose to utilize resources that are overdue in order to cut cost and minimize waste.

Price-conscious firms that ignore health and safety concerns should be penalized by the law, as this could possibly lead to a case of indirect murder.

http://fortune.com/2014/09/02/why-mcdonalds-supplier-failed-in-china/                  http://www.livestrong.com/article/485198-health-effects-of-eating-expired-foods/

[1]Cendrowski, Scott. “Why McDonalds’ Supplier Failed In China.” Fortune Why McDonalds Supplier Failed InChina Comments. TIME Inc. Network, 2 Sept. 2014. Web. 10 Sept. 2014.