Author: matthewchan94

Following BP’s (British Petroleum), the worst oil spill in history, senior executive David Rainey scrambled for any source estimates of the spill size to trigger the company’s response to the catastrophe. Rather than turning to researchers and consulting experts,  allegations arise that Rainey turned to Wikipedia for estimates on the daily leakage. The online encyclopedia, which is virtually free for anyone to edit content, states that daily spillage was happening at  rate of 5,000 barrels per day , a figure Rainy defended adamantly, far less than the independent analysis reports of 62,000.  He is now under criminal investigation before a multitude of charges, including false testimony to the Congress.

Our professors in business class are constantly condemning Wikipedia is as a reliable resources for information whether that be for research projects or gaining a basic understanding of a topic. Though this online encylopedia may be a solid starting point to begin research, the fact that volunteers edit the content makes it less legitimate  This makes it  rather ironic how a senior executive working for one of the largest oil firms in the world, would base his  most important estimations from Wikipedia. Tying this all together, the legitimacy we based our decisions is vital, regardless of future path especially in business. Gathering the correct information from a reliable source will provide great dividends in gaining customer trust and loyalty.

Works Cited:

“BP Turned to Wikipedia to Estimate Size of Spill, U.S. Alleges.” Globe and Mail 11 Apr. 2012: n. pag. Print.

Digital image. Reuters, n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2012. <http://s1.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20120411&t=2&i=593556590&w=460&fh=&fw=&ll=&pl=&r=CBRE83A1Q2Z00>.

After our class covering the Sauder Arc Initiative, I was quickly in intrigued to investigate what other the impact of other social enterprises initiatives in the opportunities across Africa. Personally, I feel that to many Westeners, when we initially think of Africa, thoughts of poverty, malnutrition, and injustice cross our mind. However, after hearing the stories of past students participating in the Arc Initiative, and reading an article from Timbuktu Chronicles , it evoked thoughts of potential, hope, and a passion for change had me rethinking the image of Africa.

I came across an article regarding  Maker Faire Africa social enterprise in Emeka Okafor’s blog, Timbuktu Chronicles. Maker Faire Africa is an organization that specializes assisting new entrepreneurs in Cairo in a variety ways, from informational workshops, technology tutorials and also build networks and internships with large local companies. Maker Fare promote their “DIY philosphy-Do It Yourself; design in yourself, make it yourself, and sell it yourself” and assist local entrepreneurs during each phase. Anyone who has an innovative product or service, receives feedback from trained entrepreneurs through constructive discussion during this learning process before entering the market.

The extensive education we are fortunate to receive here in developed countries can be used as instruments to creating a better life for those who are less fortunate. However, we must uses these valuable resources efficiently. In this case, rather than just donating money for the cause, Maker Faire Africa actually networks with local entrepreneurs by mentoring them through the process of small business.  This method of contributing is most effective, because these locals will have the business tool kit to succeed independently for the future.

Works Cited:

“At Maker Faire Africa.” Web log post. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2012. <http://timbuktuchronicles.blogspot.ca/>.

Digital image. Africa Unchained. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2012. <http://africaunchained.blogspot.ca/2012/05/maker-high-why-every-school-should-be.html>.

I found Christian Legazpi’s blog post regarding Starbucks’s entrance to Indian Market as relevant example to show barriers of globalization for expanding companies.  The thought of expansion into foreign markets seems like a viable next option for companies who are currently successful in their original market. I believe with thorough in-depth analysis beforehand and executed properly, a benefits of expansion for a company are limitless. However, I feel that some companies struggle in replicating their success from one market to another based on these main reasons:

• Cultural clash: Entering in a foreign market makes a company vulnerable to a “cultural clash”. In Christian’s blog post, he stated that India is “more of tea-drinking” country, which make hurt the profitability of Starbucks coffee. Companies cannot change a countries traditions or values, but instead adapt their products around this. For instance, Starbucks could look into introducing a tea line with a great variety to choose from, making it more feasible in the Indian market.
• General Demographics: Which age category does majority of the population fall under? A company must understand the demographics of the country to evaluate whether there product will be sought after. For example, Starbucks’s offers not only coffee, but also milkshakes and smoothies that would more favourable for younger generation.
• Establishing Brand Loyalty: When entering in a new market, a company will be targeting a whole new audience on a clean slate, meaning that establishing brand loyalty and presence will develop over the course of time. This means companies should let the market naturally respond which will require large quantities of  advertising and research resources.

Works Cited:

“Starbucks In India – An Uncertain Future.” Web log post. Christina Legazpi, n.d. Web. 6 Nov. 2012. <https://blogs.ubc.ca/christianlegazpi/2012/09/23/starbucks-in-india-an-uncertain-future/>.

I could really connect with Joshua Zhang’s blog post  , “A man’s shoe case: $800 for one or two centuries?”  on many levels. Currently, I work at Ingledew’s Shoes, a shoe store company selling a vast array of high end footwear for men and women. Specifically, Ingledew’s carries men’s brands much like the ones referred to in the article; worth over $500 for a pair. As noted, these traditional styles, like the 19th century black lace-ups, never seem to become outdated, but rather stronger in demand to this day. Loyal customer’s are reluctant  to spend close to $700-$800 for their footwear, and even more appealing with the Goodyear Wielding resoling technology that prolongs the life of a shoe for more than 15 years.

This article demonstrates the concept of brand loyalty and the internal marketing strategy that successful retains long-term customers. Regardless of the price for a pair, the customers will make repeat purchase over time, building a relationship with the certain brand. In this competitive market for high end shoes, there are numerous competitors selling a cheaper target price which exemplifies the how brand loyalty keeps these Northamptonshire companies afloat. In addition, these unique companies adhere to their traditional values by the continual production of their 19th century styles. Northamptonshire companies point of difference boils down to their traditional styles approach, helping their maintain strong brand loyalty even when the times are changing.

Works Cited:

“A Man’s Shoe Case: $800 Dollars for One or Two Centuries?” Web log post. Joshua Zhang, n.d. Web. 4 Nov. 2012. <https://blogs.ubc.ca/joshuazhang/2012/09/27/a-mans-shoe-case-800-dollars-for-one-or-two-centuries/>.

Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Nov. 2012. <http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/cheap-mezlan-shoes-mezlan-mens-13471-p-monk-strap>.

After our class on entrepreneurship, I really inspired by the testimonies of our guest speakers.  My curiosity was triggered around the idea  what prevents bright students like you and me, from turning the innovative entrepreneurship ideas into reality? As Eric Carlson mentioned in his testimony, entrepreneurship is a lifestyle one must fully encompass themselves in to be truly successful. Unlike another fields like accounting or finance where the rules are already set, in entrepreneurship you hold the  pieces to the puzzles, and arrange them however you like.

Coming from an Asian background, my parents always preached the importance to study hard in school to eventually land yourself a stable, well-paid 9-5 job. They that following the norms of society would make life less stressful and long-term stability is what they valued. The idea of entrepreneurship would seem very far-fetched in my parents generation. The amount of risk and potential failure associated with entrepreneurship is one of the main reasons they condemn the idea. Though we as students, have desires to introduce an innovation to society, sometimes the culture we are brought up upon makes it hinders us from breaking out of the 9-5 lifestyle mold. Aside from the typical barriers of starting your own business, such as raising capital or allocating resources properly, the cultural clash may be the greatest hurdle for students like us today.

Works Cited:

Jo’Preneurs Sheds Light on Bright Ideas. Digital image. Green Prophet, n.d. Web. 27 Oct. 2012. <http://www.greenprophet.com/2012/08/jopreneurs-bright-idea/>.

Once regarded as a key player in the technology  industry along the likes of Apple and IBM, Hewlett-Packard Co. commonly known as HP, has seen their market capitalization fall to” less than $30 billion from more than $100 billion two years ago“.  Internal strategic problems continue to hinder the growth of the company as their market share have been largely overtaken by competitors. Analysts have highlighted three major flaws that need to be addressed by HP in order to regain their presence in the field. With four different CEO’s in five years, the lack of stability at the top creates an ambiguous direction for the company. Major lay-offs in order to invest more capital in research in development is  “vicious in cycle” as a solution to fix HP’s declining product lines.

HP needs to look for a sustainable competitive advantage if it intends to remain a staple player in the hyper competitive market. This should include short term tactics coupled by long term strategy as well. For example, the constant rotation of senior executives creates a lack of unison within the entire firm. Investing in a solid selection process for executives will help employees in the all positions of the hierarchy be confident in the vision and leadership in the company leading to more productiveness and job satisfaction. Another long strategy would be to focus on quality rather than quantity. Currently, HP is producing more than 1,200 different type of laser printers along with their multitude of personal computers. Focusing on the few styles, but investing more time in the performance of each product will be attractable and manageable for consumers.

Works Cited:

Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Oct. 2012. <http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/hps-mixed-bag-sales-weak-across-all-units-earnings-on-target-outlook-weaker-than-expected/13122>.

Amid  our mad scramble to line up for the iPhone 5, we as consumers  become oblivious to  the process of how this evolutional mobile device reached our hands. Apple has its “products designed in Cupertino, California” which are then assembled in China where cheap labour is the only solution to keeping up with the rapid iPhone 5 demand. Across the globe in Zhengzhou, China , about “three to four thousand” production employees at Foxconn Technology Group’s iPhone 5  production headquarters. The Fair Labor Association earlier this year claimed cases of “excessive working hours and hazardous condition”. In addition, Apple inspectors has heightened the standard over phones because of quality complaints from consumers, which only increased the amplified the pressure on these workers and resulting in strike .

This massive labour strike in Zhengzhou carries great significance for workers employed by these large-scale companies hoping to capitalize on this “cheap labour” opportunity available. Rather than continue with tedious day to day operations in dangerous conditions, the workers came to bring about change, or at least recognition of the injustice. It’s interesting that these workers, knowing the magnitude of their work for the image of Apple, would still have the courage to demand for justice.  These types of issues must be opened to the public eye – the rights and value of every individual regardless of their status.

Video: Insider view of iPhone 5 Production in at Foxconn

Works Cited:

Digital image. PaidContent. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2012. <http://gigaompaidcontent.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/apple-foxconn-factory-workers-o.jpg?w=300&h=191>.

“Thousands of Foxconn Workers Who Make the IPhone 5 Launch Strike: Labour Group.”Bloomberg News 5 Oct. 2012: n. pag. Print.

Facebook had amassed just over one billion users worldwide and regarded as one of the most rapidly expanding sites in history. Aside from the social buzz, Facebook in a business aspect has been unsteady recently. Alongside a disappointing initial public offering in May, investors value the company as “just a fraction of the $100-billion opportunity”(Lynley) they had previously foreseen. As a free service for consumers, Facebook generates the majority of it’s revenue through advertising. The Facebook mobile application lacks opportunity for advertising due to the current design and functionality, resulted in a mere $72.7 million in revenue far less rival counterpart Google. Also, the next billion potential users may be difficult to reach with a majority of Internet users are situated in countries like China, where Facebook is prohibited. With all these factors in consideration,  has Facebook finally began its descent?

With competition like Google Circles and Twitter, the continual need for innovation while creating avenues of  revenue from an essentially “free” service is the main priority for Facebook. The  need to allocate more resources into developing a innovative mobile advertising approach such as  having a sponsored advertisement pop up in news feed every certain number of posts would be a viable option. Negotiations with governments in countries where Facebook is prohibited must be done to enter in this untapped market.  Though, this may mean limited services for consumers in these countries, Facebook would still generate a buzz in a foreign market. The continual push for expansion and a revamping mobile advertising scheme will keep Facebook afloat for years to come if executed properly. Otherwise, the company could be part of history.

Works Cited :

“Facebook Makes its First Billion” Geoffrey A. Fowler. Globe and Mail. Friday, October 5, 2012.

Facebook Logo. Digital image. Durham University Shorinji. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://fuinabola.blogspot.ca/2012/09/facebook-logo.html>.

Bavarian Motor Works or commonly known as BMW continued to falter in 2011 sales to Mercedes-Benz  which topped luxury cars monthly sales. BMW launched it’s first online video ad titled “The “Wall” M Series” via Google Inc’s Youtube, taking on an innovative online marketing approach,. The video launch proved to be tremendously popular for online viewers, recording a total of 4 million views since. Following the release, the Series M sales shot up 12% in 2011 from 2012, as BMW Canada went on to post its most successful sales year ever. BMW would go on to release second video for its M5 series and sales increased by an unprecedented 63 percent.

With the rapid advancement of technology,  companies must be able to target the consumers using the right medium. Online advertising has been the preferred method among consumers in this digital age, straying away from the traditional newspaper or magazine ads.  Even more relevant to the younger generation,  social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter continue to be in popular demand.  As technology is becoming more and more accessible, it can be viewed as an opportunity for companies take advantage in reaching out to untapped areas. With a tap of a screen on an Iphone or Tablet, one can easily be exposed to all sorts of information and opportunities. Online campaigns seems to be the most sensible path to go; advertising is inexpensive and the “buzz” regarding a product can spread online like wildfire. So with this mentality in mind, it seems this online marketing era has just begun.

Works Cited:

2011 BMW 5 Series 528i Pictures. Digital image. CarGurus. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Sept. 2012. <http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/2009-BMW-5-Series-528i-Pictures-t35098_pi32268909>.

“Dvertisers Warm to Canadians’ Ravenous Consumption of Online Video.” Globe and Mail[Vancouver] 20 Sept. 2012: n. pag. Print.

For the recent months, there has been a controversial debate surrounding Enbridge Inc.’s proposed $6 billion pipeline, which would transport 525 000 barrels of crude from Alberta through B.C. to the coast where it can then be exported to Asian markets. Dubbed the “Northern Gateway”, Enbridge promises the pipeline will bring great economic benefit for Canada, as it expands the nation’s trading partners while lessening the great dependence on the U.S. as its sole exporter.

However, the proposed path of the pipeline upsets B.C.’s aboriginal community and local environmentalists, as it would “violate the integrity of traditional territories” en route to the coast and cause great disturbance in the environmental landscape. According to Greenpeace, a universal environment group, the pipeline would disrupt “1,000 streams and rivers” which contain vital habitats for salmon and divide the B.C.’s Great Bear Rainforest- the last temperate rainforest standing today.

Though the great economic potential in this project is undeniable, the voice of B.C.’s aboriginal community, residents,  and environmentalists must not be lost among  negotiations talks.  These groups are, though some may disagree, important stakeholders in this situation. It is up to Enbridge to acknowledge the opposing perspectives, and act up them. Until then…the debate will only continue on.

Greenpeace’s View: http://www.greenpeace.org/canada/en/campaigns/Energy/tarsands/Get-involved/stop-the-pipeline/

Works Cited:

Digital image. Sustainability.inthekoots.com. N.p., 2 Mar. 2011. Web. 11 Sept. 2012. <http://sustainability.inthekoots.com/2011/b-c-is-beautiful-dont-spoil-it/>.

Mickleburgh, Rob. “B.C. Natives ‘willing to Go to Wall’ against Enbridge Pipeline.” Globe and Mail [Vancouver] 30 July 2012: n. pag. Print.