Comments on Heidi Upham’s Blog post: Ben and Jerry’s – More Than Just Ice Cream

At more than half-way through the course, many topics mentioned in earlier lectures are starting to come back, interrelated and overlapping with one another; it is interesting to see how different aspects we discussed in class connects and influences business in different ways. For instance, the article on Ben and Jerry’s new position against GMO involves several aspects we discussed in class that could influence the company’s performance, such as ethics issues, brand image development, competitive strategies, value prepositions, CSR and CSV.

Just as Heidi mentioned, by contributing back to the community through its many initiatives (i.e. its foundation and support of grassroot organizations to promote change), the firm is also benefiting itself by reshaping and improving its overall image. This effort on being socially conscious also fits in with the transient approach in terms of strategies. One of things we have discussed earlier in one of the tutorials was how study shows customers tend to be more concerned over the impression of a brand than the difference among the product themselves. Thus, by creating a positive, relatable image for the customers, the brand is well on its way of establishing an alternative (yet effective) way of brand promotion.

What really interested me was the primary purpose of its website: rather than focusing on its products, Ben and Jerry’s marketing team has obviously recognized the importance of letting its customers know the company’s value and the ways it operate. Today, this is becoming increasingly important and more influential on the public’s buying decisions, as public awareness and demand continues to be magnified by media and internet.

Works Cited

Terri Hallenbeck, The Burlington (Vt.) Free Press. “Ben and Jerry’s Says Goodbye to GMOs.” USA Today. Gannett, 15 June 2014. Web. 30 Oct. 2014.

Upham, Heidi. “Ben and Jerry’s – More Than Just Ice Cream.” Heidi Uphams Blog. UBC Blogs, 4 Oct. 2014. Web. 29 Oct. 2014.

Comment on Haydn Shaughnessy’s post – “Disruptive Innovation and the Retail Experience”

Often, when we think of the term innovation, we will automatically associate the concept with something along the line of technological advancement. However, is this always the case?  In his post, Haydn Shaughnessy used the example in the retail industry to address the “distortion” of the concept.

Disruptive innovation may not always involve more sophistication than the existing strategies sustained by incumbent firms. In fact, I agree with Shaughnessy that the high popularity and demand for innovation and creativity in the business world today is becoming “distracting.”  Many mix the idea of something better with something that is only more complicated. In reality, however, a good innovation could just mean deleting out the factors that don’t work in existing operational strategies or improving the structure of commonly used models. Essentially, what makes such an innovation revolutionary or disruptive is how it presents a new and more effective way of performing the same task (which in result may harm those who are not prepared to adapt).

On the other hand, it is also true that technology is important in driving industries forward and forcing businesses to transform. For instance, when I visited my grandparents over the past two Summers, I noticed that a lot of bookstores and CD stores are shutting down in Beijing. Just like how the HMV in downtown Vancouver closed its doors a few years ago, entertainment retailers were heavily impacted by the increasing availability and accessibility of digital file downloads. iTunes, in this sense, was certainly a successful disruptive innovator that pressured and drove its competitors to conform.

Nonetheless, what ultimately makes a new idea or method successful is how well it can simplify or solve a problem in the most direct and effective way, so that all stakeholders can benefit in a more convenient manner.

Work Cited

Shaughnessy, Haydn. “Disruptive Innovation and the Retail Experience.” Disruptive Innovation and the Retail Experience. HYPE Innovation Blog, 9 July 2014. Web. 22 Oct. 2014.

Image (url):

http://blog.vistage.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/disruptive-innovation.jpg

B.C. Aboriginal groups protesting against Embridge’s Northern Gateway project in Edmonton

For decades, the disputes over traditional territories and land claims between the Canadian government and First Nations groups remained as an unresolved issue; over the years, numerous development projects and decisions struggled with this “external threat” (which can be categorized as both political and social influences under the PEST analysis), and Enbridge’s pipeline project is for sure no exception. Thus far, progress remained slow and little definite agreements have been made. Tracing back to, we can see the long lasting negative impact as well as financial cost (comparable to a legacy cost) of the historical wrong done to the indigenous people over a century ago.

Perhaps a better alternative solution is for the provincial government to form more partnerships with Aboriginal leaders and First Nations community in the development of disputed territories/areas. If these claims can be settled through collaboration,  then what is originally perceived as a “threat” into a new opportunity (recall that in previous lectures, we discussed as a class how the different sections on a SWOT grid is inter-related and changeable) that can actually benefit both stakeholders. For instance, these partnerships can allow the government and corporations to grow the economy and benefit financially, and at the same time First Nations people can also benefit from regional development and more job opportunities. This, of course, requires a willingness from both sides to step back, compromise on equal scales and to move forward with a new attitude.

Article Links

Cooperative Land Deal Opens New Chapter for Three Metro First Nations

First Nations buy provincial properties, extinguish land claims on others

B.C. Premier Urges Cooperation, Not More Litigation, as Government and Natives Reach ‘new Fork in Road’

Background: The Indian Act

Works Cited:

Lee, Jeff. “Cooperative Land Deal Opens New Chapter for Three Metro First Nations.” Www.vancouversun.com. The Vancouver Sun, 28 Mar. 2014. Web. 05 Oct. 2014.

Lee, Jeff. “First Nations Buy Provincial Properties, Extinguish Land Claims on Others.” Www.vancouversun.com. The Vancouver Sun, 9 Apr. 2014. Web. 05 Oct. 2014.

Montpetit, Isabelle. “Background: The Indian Act.” CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, 14 July 2011. Web. 05 Oct. 2014.

Pynn, Larry. “B.C. Premier Urges Cooperation, Not More Litigation, as Government and Natives Reach ‘new Fork in Road'” Www.vancouversun.com. N.p., 12 Sept. 2014. Web. 05 Oct. 2014.