Microsoft has stomped the floor of newsroom of technology recently with its launching of new system Windows 8 and tablet Surface. Many say that this is a risky move especially after the release of iPad Mini from Microsoft’s deadly rival–Apple.

Going through its timeline, it is not difficult to notice that the company has been going downhill for quite a while–from pocket PC, to Windows Mobile to Windows Phone, little has come out to Microsoft’s favour.

Reviews came out shortly after the new products’ releases. One of them, from the CBC News, is the “Windows 8 and Surface: 10 things to know” which points 5 pluses as easily as to 5 minuses. One of the downsides has caught my attention: the lack of apps.

Lacking apps has been the a lethal issue which has caused the downfall of numerous “once-upon-a-time” tech giants–Nokia, Sony, LG etc. Adversely, app is also one of the secret ingredients to success for Apple and Android.

I’m very interested in seeing how these two products will turn out in the market; whether it will help Microsoft to regain its market share or be the last grasp of the company.

With little doubt, we are living on the most wasteful continent on Earth. Nothing proves this better than the fact that the two largest countries on this continent is either withdrawn from or apathetic about the Kyoto Protocol.

Green indicates countries that have ratified the treaty
(Annex I & II countries in dark green)
Brown = No intention to ratify
Red = Countries which have withdrawn from the Protocol.
Grey = no position taken or position unknown

Fortunately, some optimistic signs are pointed out by science journalist, Bob McDonald’s. According to his blog, “Obama, Climate Change and Canada“, Canada is likely to go through some transformative changes in sustainability-related regulations because of the re-election of President Obama.

If this inference is to come true, it will not only bring emission issue under control, but also create numerous opportunities for entrepreneurship. These possibilities can be innovations in oil-fracking process, oil pipeline retrofitting techniques, better mileage friendly engines and many more. Speculations might arise from the existing companies’ perspectives, wondering about the disadvantageous restrictions these potential new regulations might impose on  them. However, I would say that these opportunities will bring benefits which far outweigh the restrictions and will eventually result in a less mitigated environmental situation.

In other words, the Stakeholder Theory might be true!

Have you ever wondered why nine of the top ten universities are in the United States? I cannot feel more proud or honoured about the fact that I attend UBC–one of the best schools in Canada. But, with no offence, it is just a tip of an iceberg compared to the prestigious colleges in the States.

Conventionally, people explain this phenomenon with the apparent, extrinsic reasons: wealth of America, abundance in funding, large population, etc. However, what people failed to recognize, is the intrinsic force within these American universities, which drive them to prestige. (I was unaware of it too until I came across this article: The Secret of Harvard’s Success: Alumni )

Started with Harvard, and adopted by many others, the practice of selecting alumni as part of the board of director is the secret that leads them to success. It says, in the article, “After all, no group cares more about a university’s prestige than its alumni, who gain or lose esteem as their alma mater’s ranking rises or falls.” Alumni, in general, have higher motivations. What’s more, is that their knowledge about their own schools comes in handy and adequate to contribute to better decision-making.

This is such an insightful discovery not only because I am a university student, but rather it demonstrates the power of the right leader to guide a party forward in a right direction.

Today’s lecture in Comm 101 is quite an inspirational one. By bringing in guest who is alumni of ours, it really encourages us to take a step to pursue our own dreams in an innovative manner and tells us entrepreneurs are not only bald, with moustache, middle-aged man. 🙂

Energy-Aware’s product–Power Tab, is a gadget which reflect electricity usage in a monetary way. Instead of telling people how many kilowatt they are using, it actually shows the dollar per hour they are charged given they way currently, they utilize their appliances.

It is not a surprise that this product has come to a major success because there are two reasons underlying that urges customers to buy Power Tab. First, it attracts people who are largely ethically oriented (environmental-friendly users). By monitoring closely to their power usage, people can easily make adjustments to conserve energy thus “SAVE THE PLANET!” Moreover, this product definitely charms the practical, capitalistic demographic. Oftentimes, people are not aware of how they can minimize the balance and their utility bills because the only information they have is that vague number wattage. Dollar sign $ is way more powerful to affect them than watt numbers.

Power Tab’s success comes from the interest from two very diverse group of people. It is this ethical and financial rationale that drives customers’ inclination in investing on such a product.

For more information about Energy-Aware and Power Tab, check out the following website. http://www.energy-aware.com/our-products/ihd/

For another time, our friendly fast food restaurant is giving us a heart-warming news under the gloomy chilly weather — FREE SMALL COFFEE FOR A WEEK! With no purchase necessary, you can enjoy a freshly brewed small coffee as long as you are willing to take a second and walk in the restaurant.

When I was working at McDonald’s just like any other high school student who is eager to get their first job, I heard the complaints of my manager made about this promotion. “Those people in the head office have lost their minds! This is no different than burning bills.”

What my manager missed was the long-term strategy that the corporate have in mind. By cutting down price drastically, the restaurant boosts up its market share in a blink of an eye. This cost leadership strategy is subjected to attract wide range of customers regardless of the contribution margin each one of them brings in.

Certainly, such a giveaway can only be achieved by huge companies like McDonald’s. The other fast food chain restaurants are going to have a hard time to compete with this powerful and resourceful industry giant.