So we had our second class of Comm 101 today and already I am impressed with the amazing technology (video camera, microphone, iClicker…etc.) that we are using. I suppose this echoes how technology is increasingly being used in the business world (teleconferencing…etc.) to facilitate communication.
We read three articles that illustrate how customer choice, motivation and behavior change, company goals, financial performance, competition between rivals and government intervention all play a role in how businesses function and set their policies. Ryanair set its payment policy to discourage its customers from using anything but a specific credit card. Zellers is featuring fresh produce in its stores to increase sales and customer traffic. And, the Russian Government raised duties for vodka to discourage people from purchasing vodka and subsequently reduce its consumption.
In addition, we learned how Tata, a car company in India, appeals to customers by offering an inexpensive vehicle, whereas Lululemon, an athletic clothing manufacturer in Vancouver, appeals to customers by offering an expensive, high quality product.
Here’s a video on the Tata, the “world’s cheapest car”:
And here’s an article on Lululemon entitled “Is Lululemon Built to Last?”
http://www.fool.com/investing/high-growth/2011/08/29/is-lululemon-athletica-built-to-last.aspx