Starbucks is a well known internationally. One of the important contributions to their success is their excellent use of tactics, which then in turn achieves their strategies. An example is the use of a “My Starbucks Rewards” system where customers receive a free drink through this card program after 15 purchases at their stores using the card to make the transaction. Not only are customers able to earn free drinks, they are also able to receive “free syrup, milk options, refills on tea and freshly brewed coffee”. This is a brilliant way of marketing because it can increase its brand name, and also allow people to make the connection of the card, the rewards received to Starbucks. In addition, this accomplishes their strategy of building loyal customers, because they feel well repaid with this membership, and a sense of belonging to a community. This company has many strategies to target coffee lovers in a large age group, and uses a higher priced, fine quality coffee to compete in the market.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/news-sources/?date=20100922&archive=bwire&slug=20100922006804

Competition is fierce in the market, especially in the foods area. “Battle between pizza chains” is fierce but they fight over the same points of parity, such as crust, toppings or the time it takes for delivery. However, Ali Baba Pizza has used a unique way to advertise and attract customers: “the pizza box of 21^st century”. Enforcing the use of environmentally friendly pizza boxes as a point of difference was a clever move as consumers are more and more aware of eco-friendly products. In addition to its promotion of conservation, this recycled cardboard pizza box can also transform into a container and plate conveniently. Mark Murr, the owner of this pizza chain, is the first in Canada to use the GreenBox, which acts as a strategy in marketing as they are the first to position themselves in this category. The use of the GreenBox allows Ali Baba Pizza to successfully achieve the points of difference of sustainability and distinctiveness.

 http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/Restaurateur+adopts+pizza+21st+century/3559940/story.html?id=3559940

Starting a company or any business venture seems like tricky work, however, with the aid of a good business plan, entrepreneurs will be well organized.

In North Vancouver, a family did just this. Using what they knew and were good at, they organized them into a plan of action and number. Using their ability for “roasting premium nuts and dried fruit in Iran and Middle Eastern countries” and having a target group and market, they successfully started up their business. Having a business plan, including the start-up costs of $300 000, employees (family), estimates of how much nuts and fruits would be sold daily, to how much would be sold on special occasions, they were well prepared. They have a special niche, which provided them “less competition and more room in the market to make a profit” and on top of that, their vision of having good quality – resources from all of over the world – and pricing enables them to have the good achievements they have now. The owner, Amir, says that he to even “open a second store in Vancouver within a year”. The importance of having a clear yet unique business plan will lead to the success of a business.

http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Nutty+business+venture+pays+North+Vancouver+family/3560257/story.html

Management and Information Systems work to maintain and organize information through technology. It is becoming a more and more popular field as technology advances, and the popularity of “web access” or “online communities” rises. Disney for example, launched a website for users to update their personal experiences at Disney. This allows Disney to not only gain more recognition as a brand, but it also indirectly allows them to make profit.

 Another similar company that just launched its first “debut” in Canada is Netflix. They work alike to pay per view or video on demand, however, instead of paying per movie you see, it charges you by month for access to numerous movies and shows. It is only offered online in Canada, and this conveys the importance of using technology to gain profits. The use of technology is successful because of its convenience and is one of the fastest ways to advertise. By examining the response of users through technology, companies are able to decide upon what the next steps are to expanding their business. The use of Management and Information Systems is essential now, and even more in the future when technology is even more advanced.

http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/Netflix+debuts+Canada/3559942/story.html