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>.