(The above image describes the benefits from installing a smart meters in your home through BC Hydro perspective.)

Source of article: http://www.straight.com/article-552136/vancouver/smartmeter-concerns-keep-coming-forward

The article “Concerns over B.C. Hydro’s smart meters keep coming” by Matthew Burrows talks about the installation of “Smart Meters” by BC Hydro in the British Colombia. BC Hydro’s project was to upgrade their technology by changing all current smart meters to a new version in which new features would be added. However, consumers of BC Hydro raised concerns about the new technology being installed in their home. Questions such as if smart meters are safe, how much radiation they emit, if monitors are installed within it and etc… A lot of consumers within BC refused the new smart meters, leading to that the entire operation was not as successful as it was supposed to be. In my opinion, I believe that BC Hydro should have been more careful in the possible approaches that their consumers would have when presenting the new Smart Meters. The fact that these devices work through wireless aroused question on privacy rights and that they should be removed. If BC Hydro is still to dedicate time into the project, new initiatives must be taken so smart meters may be installed in all of BC to decrease energy consumption and make a more green world.

Source of Image: http://www.bchydro.com/etc/medialib/internet/images/smi/smart_meters_working.Par.0001.Image.jpg

Source of article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20354081

After reading Stephanie Flanders article, an Economics editor from the Economics.com magazine. She expressed some though provoking ideas concerning the union and the financial crisis of the euro. In the article Flanders uses the word “privet state”, which is the country in which all other european countries will turn to. At first, I had the idea that Greece and Spain where the cause of most of the euro financial crisis, but after reading the article Italy seems to be the “pivot state”. In this case, pivot state could be interpreted in two different ways. The first one would be as the country that will save the euro-union from the crisis, and the second is the country that all other countries will turn against to save themselves. In my eyes, Italy would be the pivot state in which every other European country might turn against. Nevertheless, Germany and France have still a decent economic stability, being the pillars of the european union as well with the U.K. Yet, much work is needed within the union, too much has been spent and wrong decisions have been made leading to negative externalities. Unemployment and social unrest are common result of economic crisis, which the government shall take care of before further concerns are to be raised.

Source of Image: http://ic.payap.ac.th/media/img/news_channel_204.jpg

Brandon Yen’s Blog

Article: http://www.economist.com/news/business/21565926-video-games-are-behind-latest-fad-management-more-just-game

“Gamers Poses the Secrete Executive Want?” has various interesting yet intriguing idea when using “Gamificiation” as a way to improve production. After reading Brandon’s response to the article, I do i agree in that it is interesting how some people may dedicate ours of their time to achieve a virtual challenge. The irony is, video games are known to decrease productivity within the labour of a firm. Yet, now management gurus have the opportunity to introduce the idea of “For the Win” as Kevin Werbach and Dan hunter describe. The idea of getting a “badge” or an intangible award depending on how many hours where put into work would definitely increase production in my opinion.

Also, I must share that such hours dedicated into gaming may lead to addiction. Leading me to the idea that if this strategy was to be used within a corporation it could be considered as manipulation to some extent. Or, it could also be used to help long and boring work in which mental concentration is largely demanded. Not only it would benefit the company in terms of production, but also the individual (worker) making it easier for him to work. It’s all about being “Hooked” as said in the article that is the motivation behind the hours of investment put into gaming or other intangible activity.

Image source: http://www.pascalfredette.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/gamification2.png

Bryan Woo’s Blog: https://blogs.ubc.ca/bryanwoo/2012/09/25/icelands-attitude-towards-the-loonie-gets-icy/

Article: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/top-business-stories/canadian-dollar-a-poor-choice-for-iceland-central-bank-says/article4564361/

After reading the article commented by Bryan, and analyzed his thoughts about the articles I must say that Bryan does make a point in why the Loonie currency would not be a viable option for Iceland. As discussed in the articles reports informing potential adoption of other currencies such as the euro or the british pound where released. Speculation about an appreciation in the Canadian dollar is rumored, yet Iceland’s currency has been holding a higher exchange rate than the U.S dollar for quite some time. Now, when considering which other currency could be adopted , the euro is yet to unstable and in financial crisis. However, the pound may be a good option to consider if Iceland does decide to change its monetary policies. On the other hand, the most viable option in my would most probably be going the Nordic currency since these are considered nordic countries and share similar features geographically and socially. Yet, I do believe that Iceland will keep its current currency, the Króna. In addition, Iceland and Canada do not have vast trade relationship with a different business cycle making it hard for Iceland to adapt.

Image source: http://learnthat.com/files/2010/02/exchange-currency1.jpg