According to an interesting blog by Andrew VanderPloeg, the value of a strong brand image is crucial. The author states that successful branding for any organization allows the consumers know what the company is all about. The development of branding starts with the logo, which is used as a benchmark to promote the company.

The logo is a crucial factor in creating brand image as provides a visual and mental ‘hook’. For example, Pepsi spent $1,000,000 to improve its logo in 2008 and then to update all of their marketing and advertising to align with the new design. This shows that, in the world of marketing, consumers are not always buying the product because of its quality but its symbol. An effective logo allows the consumers identify the business in a way that is memorable.

Through brand image, the company is able to attach a price beyond the product. The value proposition is not about the product but it is the emotions of the consumers to motivate them to try the brand. Thus, to develop a successful brand, the business should choose their point of difference to appeal to the consumers and use the brand image to symbolize the business in the market.

Work Cited

VanderPloeg, Andrew. “The Value Of a Strong Brand Image.” The Radiant Blog. N.p., 19 Apr. 2014. Web. 11 Nov. 2014. <http://www.thinkradiant.com/radiant-blog-33628>.

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

Even though if the United Nations was fully funded, the society still needs initiatives like the Arc and social enterprises to solve issues in the long run. The UN tends to help the developing countries in the short run by providing food for children under UNICEF. In contrast, the Arc and social enterprise focuses on the long run by offering internships, workshops, and mentoring service for entrepreneurs. This valuable opportunity will allow the developing countries to become more stable and independent in the long run. If the UN continues to solve the problems directly, the countries will be incapable of reducing poverty.

Many of the Arc entrepreneurs demonstrate great examples of creating shared value through its business and the communities. With the unique differentiation strategies, the social enterprises can increase both private and social benefits. For example, Salem Kasshun’s craft boutique business provided workers with income ranging from $1100 to $2100 CAD compared to the average annual income of $170.

Conclusively, if the UN was fully funded, the outcome will be inefficient because the developing countries will become more dependent. Therefore, by identifying the problems and providing opportunities to bring positive change, the Arc and social enterprise will allow the entrepreneurs to drive the economy.

Work Cited

“What Is Social Entrepreneurship?” Skoll World Forum on Social Entrepreneurship. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2014. <http://skollworldforum.org/about/what-is-social-entrepreneurship/>.

“Sauder School of Business.” The Arc Initiative. N.p., 7 Oct. 2014. Web. 11 Nov. 2014. <http://www.sauder.ubc.ca/Global_Reach/ARC_Initiative>.

Kroeker, Jeff. “Can Fair Trade Boutique Expand without Alienating Customers?” The Globe and Mail. N.p., 13 July 2012. Web. 09 Nov. 2014. <http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/sb-growth/day-to-day/can-fair-trade-boutique-expand-without-alienating-customers/article4405520/>.

After reporting disappointing quarterly sales, Starbucks has announced that it will deliver coffee to parts of U.S. through its mobile app starting in 2015. Also, Starbucks plans to innovate by offering preorders of coffee to get people in and out faster. By creating points of difference, Starbucks will be able to attract new customers, increase customer loyalty, and allow the company to grow. Since Starbucks has loyal customers and the line-ups at Starbucks are extremely long, it is likely to increase profits.

In contrast, the initial cost of starting a delivery service will create a sunk cost for the company and the workers may not be as productive in the beginning. If the delivery time takes too long, the coffee may not be as fresh, leaving the customers dissatisfied. As delivery will increase the cost and the price will increase, the price charged on delivery may decrease the quantity demanded. If Starbucks is able to keep the delivery fees low, it is likely to become successful. By offering delivery, Starbucks will be able to raise what it can offer and continually grow and advance from the low sales.

Work Cited

Choi, Candice. “Starbucks’ next Big Move: Delivery | Toronto Star.”Thestar.com. N.p., 31 Oct. 2014. Web. 11 Nov. 2014. <http://www.thestar.com/business/2014/10/31/starbucks_next_big_move_delivery.html>.

Comments on Raza’s Blog Post: Business Laws- A Fair Deal?

Although unregulated businesses are seen to be more successful to prosper, the laissez-faire economy can lead to business ethical issues. From class3, Milton Friedman stated that business managers should not break the law or commit fraud. Thus, without business laws, companies are more likely to ignore business ethics by exploiting workers. The people and planet from the triple bottom line may be ignored, as profit maximization will be the main focus of the business. For instance, in the 1920’s, the American economy suffered from the Great Depression with the laissez-faire policy in place.

As Raza mentioned, abating or eliminating certain laws can pressure smaller businesses much more than large corporations. Large corporations will be ableto reduce their costs more easily compared to smaller businesses, allowing the corporation to increase profit. It is highly likely that an oligopoly will be formed, strangling the small businesses. It is true that too many regulations can restrict companies to increase their profits. However, it is essential to realize that regulations and laws can protect not only the workers and consumers, but also the suppliers. Therefore, with reasonable amount of government regulations, the economy may be able to prosper, while operating with CSR perspective.

Work Cited

Razi, Raza. “Raza Razi’s Blog.” Raza Razis Blog. UBC Blogs, 30 Sept. 2014. Web. 02 Nov. 2014. <https://blogs.ubc.ca/razarazi/2014/09/30/business-laws-a-fair-deal/>.

Bouw, Brenda. “New Anti-spam Law ‘a Big Deal’ for Small Businesses.”The Globe and Mail. N.p., 24 Mar. 2014. Web. 02 Nov. 2014. <http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/sb-digital/biz-categories-technology/businesses-rush-to-comply-with-tough-new-anti-spam-law/article17609044/>.

Would you like to pay less for your airline ticket?

Recently, Wow Air, a new discount air carrier, launched a $99 fare across the Atlantic, targeting at the lower and middle class by using the cost leadership strategy from the Porter’s Generic Strategies. In contrast, the average ticket is around $770 for single stop and $800 for nonstop tickets. However, Wow Air’s unbelievably low-ticket prices will be only for introductory fares but the airlines plans to offer the lowest price in the market. Occasionally, the company plans to have similar fare rates as the introductory fare.

Many consumers may be skeptical of this deal. The main reason behind this low price is due to its headquarters, located in Iceland. The location will allow the airplanes to stop to refuel at a midpoint. Also, since carrying the large amounts of fuel costs more due to its weight, it will allow the airline to save money by going shorter distances and indirectly develop corporate social responsibility by reducing pollution. This may be difficult for the company to persuade its consumers but this allows several hundred dollars in savings so it is likely to become successful.

Work Cited

Fredman, Roberto A. “Wow Air Launches $99 Fares across Atlantic.”Gloucester Daily Times. The Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2014. Web. 01 Nov. 2014. <http://www.gloucestertimes.com/cnhi_network/wow-air-launches-fares-across-atlantic/article_a8ff338b-8b95-5fc7-9a22-cf015dce4d92.html>.

Improving Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) allows companies to increase their profit. TOMS is a company that donates one shoe to a person in need for every shoe purchased. Moreover, TOMS restores sight to a person in need for every pair of eyewear purchased. Recently, TOMS and Target announced their partnership to collaborate on a limited-edition collection for the holiday season. For every product purchased, a meal or blanket will be donated. Through its “One for One” campaign, TOMS differentiates itself from other major shoe companies.

The price of TOMS’ products is relatively high but its marginal benefit from the shoes is greater for the customers. Through its market research, TOMS was able to understand that CSR can allow the company to increase profit, as consumers are willing to help those in need. The customers are able to take pride in themselves and they post about TOMS on social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. This allows more people to know more about TOMS and become interested in the products. Therefore, TOMS was able to become successful through its differentiated business model. By promoting social interest, shared value is formed and all stakeholders are able to benefit.

Work Cited

Smith, Seana. “TOMS CEO Expanding Reach of ‘Buy One Give One’ Model.”Fox Business. FOX Business, 10 Oct. 2014. Web. 31 Oct. 2014. <http://www.foxbusiness.com/business-leaders/2014/10/09/toms-ceo-expanding-reach-buy-one-give-one-model/>.

“TOMS: Sustainable?” Dear World. N.p., 8 May 2012. Web. 31 Oct. 2014. <http://fatimanaveed.wordpress.com/2012/07/08/toms-sustainable/>.

Pack, Lauren. “A Gluten-Free Vegan Mom Who Knows.” A GlutenFree Vegan Mom Who Knows. N.p., 14 Apr. 2011. Web. 31 Oct. 2014. <http://www.glutenfreeveganmom.com/2011/04/14/toms-one-for-one/>.

The construction of the Northern Gateway Pipeline has been a controversial issue between Canadian government and the First Nations groups. First Nations groups have voiced their objections about this project as the pipeline is blueprinted to pass through the lands owned by the First Nations. Due to this external threat, the Northern Gateway Pipeline project has been delayed. Since the constitutional and legal power of the Aboriginals is very influential, it is important that settlements are made. Also, since the aboriginals have charged lawsuits in federal courts, the sunk cost of the lawsuits may have a negative impact in the long run.

From this situation, it will be essential for the provincial government to come to an agreement with the Aboriginals. As this dispute would be perceived as a threat, it should be resolved as soon as possible. Moreover, in regards to business ethics, the settlement should be fair and both parties should benefit from this. In the past, the government took advantage of the Aboriginals in many ways through the Indian Act. If a resolution can be made, the threat can be turned into an opportunity for Canada’s economy, as there will be an increase in job opportunities and trade of oil.

Work Cited

“Enbridge Cheapens as Pipeline Funding Need Rises | Reading Eagle – AP.” Reading Eagle. N.p., 03 Oct. 2014. Web. 05 Oct. 2014. <http://readingeagle.com/ap/article/enbridge-cheapens-as-pipeline-funding-need-rises>.

Gibson, Rob. “Northern Gateway Pipeline Delayed While Project Seeks First Nations Support.” Http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/. N.p., 4 Sept. 2014. Web. 05 Oct. 2014. <http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/canada/archives/2014/09/20140904-173314.html>.

“Coastal First Nations Walk Away from Northern Gateway Review Process | PIPELINE OBSERVER.” Coastal First Nations Walk Away from Northern Gateway Review Process | PIPELINE OBSERVER. N.p., 4 Feb. 2013. Web. 05 Oct. 2014. <http://pipelineobserver.ca/coastal-first-nations-walk-away-from-northern-gateway-review-process/>.

After reading Marilyn Jiang’s blog post about Amazon’s actions to fix late shipments to improve customer satisfaction, I believe that the improvement in shipping will allow Amazon to grow significantly. Amazon’s action to identify the problem and to correct their operational decisions would help the company grow.

It is common for many people to wait for the products they ordered online and hope to receive the products on time for a special event. However, the products do not always arrive on time, leaving the customers dissatisfied. For instance, I ordered a music album as a birthday present for my friend online and it did not come on time. The shipping took almost a month to come although their expected shipping time was around two weeks. This shows that shipping time is unquestionably important for many customers.

Moreover, by turning to Postal Service for more partnerships, Amazon will be able to fix the problem and also keep the shipping prices low. Since their cost leadership strategy is their crucial strength, many people choose to purchase products from Amazon since it is relatively cheaper than buying the products at retailers. Therefore, customer relationship for Amazon will be strengthened and their value preposition can be maximized for greater profit.

Work Cited

Jiang, Marilyn. “Amazon Works on Reducing Late Shipments to Improve Customer Satisfaction.” Marilyn Jiangs Blog. N.p., 28 Sept. 2014. Web. 05 Oct. 2014. <https://blogs.ubc.ca/marilynjiang/>.

Stone, Brad. “Amazon’s Grand Plan to Avoid Holiday Delivery Snafus Again.” Bloomberg Business Week. Bloomberg, 26 Sept. 2014. Web. 05 Oct. 2014. <http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-09-26/amazons-grand-plan-to-avoid-holiday-delivery-snafus-again>.

With the new launch of the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus, the new iPhones were in high demand and were sold out in most retailers immediately. However, the iPhone experienced bending problems, leading to mockery from other competitors. This showed that other competitors were trying to take the weakness Apple was facing into an opportunity for them. As this issue gained high public interest on social media, Apple clarified that the bending problem is very rare and they had only received very few complaints.

In spite of all negative controversies, Apple did not have a significant decrease in their sales since the problem of bending did not concern many people due to the brand name and the popularity of the new iPhone. From this situation, in which where Apple is at the summit, Apple would probably keep trying to sustain itself through its powerful brand name. Nonetheless, if this goes on for too long, other companies may come up with a brand-new product, which may be faster, efficient, and convenient. Although the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus were high in demand, the products were not greatly differentiated from other competitors’ products or their previous models. Thus, there is no guarantee that Apple will remain at the top forever.

Work Cited

Nagraj, Aarti. “UAE Consumers Not Concerned With IPhone 6 Plus Bending Issues – Gulf Business.” Gulf Business RSS 092. N.p., 1 Oct. 2014. Web. 04 Oct. 2014. <http://gulfbusiness.com/2014/10/uae-consumers-concerned-iphone-6-plus-bending-issues/#.VDDe3SldWyc>.

Reuters, Thomson. “Apple IPhone 6, IPhone 6 Plus Earn Positive Reviews – Technology & Science – CBC News.” CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, 17 Sept. 2014. Web. 04 Oct. 2014. <http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/apple-iphone-6-iphone-6-plus-earn-positive-reviews-1.2768997>.

Many people consume and enjoy packaged food and beverages. However, the consumption of these foods leads to a greater chance of obesity. To prevent this, government may impose regulations to under allocate the negative externality caused by the packaged food. For example, the government tried to limit the size of the beverages, which contain large amounts of sugar. This was not effective as the government does not have perfect information and they were unable to choose appropriately.

In this article, the writer suggests that the industry is responsible, as it knows the consequences. Conversely, most consumers know about the negative effects of these products. They still buy the packaged food since it is simple to cook and cheap to buy. Although the demand is high and suppliers are happy to sell the products at a low price at the equilibrium price, the problem arises with health issues. Many corporations fund physical activity programs to show concerns for children’s health but it is crucial to notice that the products may not be as healthy as it seems. If the corporations focus on making their products healthier, the health issue may become less controversial.

Work Cited

Mudd, Michael. “How to Force Ethics on the Food Industry.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 16 Mar. 2013. Web. 05 Sept. 2014. <http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/17/opinion/sunday/how-to-force-ethics-on-the-food-industry.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0>.