The linked article emphasizes the importance of continuous innovation within a company, especially in India. Starting a business with innovative ideas will not last forever; the market is always changing, there’s competition, the demand for certain products changes, and more.

The decision by business professionals and the government of India to hold a conference that teaches and stresses the importance of innovation is an intelligent move. As Mr Subodh Kant Sahai, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Food Processing said: “”Our target is to create new entrepreneurs and new jobs.” Innovation creates entrepreneurs and creates jobs. The Indian economy will be better off if innovation is consistently applied by entrepreneurs. A lack of innovation is really limiting for a company and economy. It is crucial that the company is always thinking of ways to improve their products to better address the value propositions of their consumers. For example, if Apple ceased all types of innovation, they would not be where they are right now. Apple changed and improved their products to better address the desires of the consumers and to create a point of difference, so that they were able to surpass their competition. It is only through innovation that companies reach their full potential and flourish.

Article: http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2007-12-04/news/28492531_1_innovation-competitiveness-separate-exchange

Apple’s recent decision to purchase PrimeSense for $345 million illustrates their willingness to dominate the market once again. PrimeSense, an Israeli company that enables 3D vision, was used to help develop Microsoft’s Xbox Kinect.

Apple has not specified exactly what PrimeSense will be working on, but it seems to be evident that this purchase is an attempt to pull ahead of the competition. It is unknown whether 3D vision will be incorporated on laptops, phones, or other products, but builds upon the anticipation of the next apple product that will be released.

I believe this is quite a wise decision on Apple’s behalf. Introducing new concepts to the mass market will most likely improve sales, as consumers in this market are always looking for the new, flash products that come out on shelves. Companies such as Samsung are dominating the market as well, and Apple is attempting to create a point of difference for the consumers, so that they can pull away from the tight competition. This purchase had to be done. This is also a battle of innovation as well, as the companies will race to create new products that will address the wants of their customer segments.

Article: http://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/apple-buys-israels-primesense-345-million-report-094020151–finance.html

Picture: http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/project_natal_primesense-540×226.jpg

Despite the fact that Tim Hortons is massive in Canada, as soon you cross the border, the reputation and prestige is almost non-existent. The corporation has failed to grow to its potential in the U.S., and does not seem to be headed in the right direction either.

I would agree with most of Hayden’s points in his blog about Tim’s expansion; that their current strategy is not effective and they should focus on other aspects first. While Tim Hortons has evidently obtained several points of difference within Canada, the majority of citizen’s in the U.S. have failed to recognize these same “points of difference.” Like Hayden said, developing the “Timmy Me” app would be extremely effective and drastically improve satisfaction among all customer segments.

However, the problem is that Tim Hortons has almost reached its capacity within Canada; it must eventually SUCCESSFULLY expand outside of the borders in order to significantly grow as a company. By using innovation to develop points of difference and unique value propositions for consumers, the corporation will thrive and surpass rivals like McDonald’s. Corporations cannot expect to use the same strategies for each country they set up in; they must adapt to the different consumer segments.

Referenced Article:https://blogs.ubc.ca/haydenamundson/2013/11/12/tim-hortons-wants-to-go-international-but-what-about-their-fellow-canadians/

Article to why Tim’s Won’t Grow In The US:http://business.financialpost.com/2013/07/18/why-tim-hortons-is-failing-to-score-in-america/

Corporate Social Responsibility is a vital aspect of society. While CSR is quite common in Western countries, it is more rare in developing nations. After reading Jessica Yi Chieh Tsai’s blog about India implementing a law that forces CSR standards, it is evident that more and more people are realizing the significantly beneficial effects of CSR on society.

I agree with Jessica’s viewpoint on the situation in India; that the law is positive, as Indian companies are giving back to communities. The linked article illustrates how Ghana is struggling with a lack of CSR right now, and are looking to introduce a policy that will best enable it among the majority of corporations in Ghana. The fact that officials are realizing that there is a lack of CSR marks progress.

I believe that Ghana should pursue a similar path to India. By gradually forcing corporations to operate based on CSR values, Ghana will benefit much more as a nation.. As stated in the article, by adopting CSR values, Ghana will attract foreign investors, which will allow the economy to thrive, all while the nation reduces poverty and promotes nation-wide development. It is a win-win situation.

Referenced Blog: https://blogs.ubc.ca/jessicatsai/2013/11/17/corporate-social-responsibility-now-a-law/

Article:http://vibeghana.com/2013/11/13/official-says-ghana-needs-a-corporate-social-responsibility-policy/

Image: http://goodandco.ca/wp-content/uploads/The-CSR-Cycle.jpg

Alistair Fairweather’s belief that we should welcome the  increasing power of the internet should be echoed; the internet provides a countless number of opportunities for entrepreneurs.

During the lecture about entrepreneurship,  David Cohen’s words, “Look at what’s bugging you”, effectively summed up how to develop a quality start-up idea. Simplicity is key. Fairweather illustrates this concept in his blog when he describes the online service Uber. To briefly summarize, customers use this service on their phone to conveniently call for and pay for a taxi, minus all the regular inconveniences such as lack of punctuality, long waiting times, and so on.

One might wonder how this business came about. It’s simple; an individual thought of something that was irritating him and missing from his life,and turned it into a business currently valued at over $3 Billion.

The fact is, the internet is coming closer to real life. It is used to simplify daily tasks, as proven by the vast variety of apps currently available for peoples’ phones. In my opinion, this is not a negative thing. The growing usage of the internet in today’s business world is encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship worldwide, and as Fairweather states, ” Entrepreneurs have never had more power to change the world.”

Referenced External Blog: http://mg.co.za/article/2013-11-18-00-how-the-internet-is-invading-the-real-world-and-why-we-should-welcome-it

Pictures:

http://b-i.forbesimg.com/tomiogeron/files/2013/08/Uber-Logo.jpg

http://blog.uber.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/taxi-all.png

Patagonia has recently generated some interest within the media with the unexpected announcement of their entry within the craft beer market. The organic beer, named California Route, will be in stores in several U.S cities in late November, and is being released in celebration of the company’s fortieth anniversary.

Patagonia addresses the outdoor desires of consumers with their lines of equipment and clothing, all while maintaining a reputation of being eco-friendly and sustainable, as shown by several tools located on their website, such as the Footprint Chronicle.  Utilizing the New Belgium Brewing Company as their key partner for this project is an extremely wise decision,as the Colorado brewing company also emphasizes the same environmental concerns and values. Together, the two companies will be able to address their Corporate Social Responsibilities while at the same time providing alcoholic desires to consumers.

While the eco-friendly pair will be excelling in terms of sustainability, the market they have entered is extremely competitive, with beers such as The Boston Beer Company’s Samuel Adams Lager already thriving. Patagonia’s market research will have to be accurate. I believe that the beer will be successful, as Patagonia has proven to dominate these types of tight-knit markets.

Article:http://www.forbes.com/sites/johnclarke/2013/11/12/patagonia-turns-40-and-joins-the-beer-business/

Picture: http://www.esquire.com/cm/esquire/images/x5/esq-california-route-111213-xlg.jpg