16Nov / 2013

Candy Crush Addiction

Interestingly, I have had the same situation as Candice described in her blog that she was so addicted to Candy Crush that she even dreamed about it. Also, I remembered moments when I closed my eyes and still see the image of candy crush, and how I can play it with the image that my brain showed me.

Such strong addition does not only happen on me but also on many of my friends. After reading Candice’s blog, I was surprised that how Candy Crush applies Science to their strategy and made such a game so additive that brings in $633,000 per day.

Based on my analysis, I have also found out that Candy Crush smartly caught up consumer’s attention through a zero cost to download and play, yet it positively reinforces the patterns for human brains to make people hooked by it. Once got addicted, it requires consumers to pay a certain amount of money to unlock further levels. Similarly, through the process of waiting made this game more fun in a long term run.

Figure from:http://guardianlv.com/2013/11/candy-crush-downloaded-500-million-times-what-makes-it-so-addictive/

Commenting on Candice Chung’s blog

https://blogs.ubc.ca/candicechung/2013/11/15/candy-crush-addiction/

References

http://business.time.com/2013/11/15/candy-crush-saga-the-science-behind-our-addiction/

http://www.businessinsider.com/how-candy-crush-makes-so-much-money-2013-10

http://guardianlv.com/2013/11/candy-crush-downloaded-500-million-times-what-makes-it-so-addictive/

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15Nov / 2013

Why Starbucks in China is so expensive?

Doris’s blog about price discrimination in China raises my interest in seeking the reason that made Starbucks so expensive in China.

As Doris mentioned in her blog, she thinks such a huge price difference is caused by cultural divergence since traditionally Chinese did not prefer coffee. I agree with her point since Chinese economy opened in the late 1970s and traditionally foreign products were always regarded to be better-made. However, there are more than one factor that made Starbucks beverage expensive.

Based on my analysis, the problem that caused the high price of Starbucks beverage is due to a high operating cost of a Starbucks store. On one hand, China’s labor is very cheap and this has caused inequity in salary as a barista in China is making much less than a barista in U.S. Thus, increase the price of each beverage is a way to balance out the inequity. On the other hand, China doesn’t have much coffee production; thus adds the importing fee and taxes that causes the price to be high.

Figure from: http://cdn.theatlantic.com/newsroom/img/posts/wsjstarbucks.jpg

Commenting on Doris Wu’s blog

Reference

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-10-22/starbucks-is-expensive-in-china-who-cares-.html

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12Nov / 2013

Thoughts on Entrepreneurship

After the lecture about entrepreneurship, all I think of is that entrepreneurship is all about innovations. Only the news will create markets and thus result in new demand.

During the lecture, we’ve had an interesting in-class activity about being an entrepreneur to design our own product. This activity allowed me to think about what exactly entrepreneurship is and what characteristics does an entrepreneur has.

Despite the competitive advantages about all innovations, I’ve discovered that having the ability to make the right decision or choose the best choice at the moment is also a key. There are many steps to take and many characteristics to have in order to become a successful entrepreneur.

Have the idea would be great. Yet, certain efforts must be made to let it become reality. Such as overcoming challenges, persuading opponents, and developing allies are all the efforts that needed to be done. Nevertheless, although there are many uncertainties and risks existing in entrepreneurship, it is also worth it for one to try and experience.

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10Nov / 2013

Working at Google is fun

In order for an organization to function effectively and productively, it is the system of shared values and norms that determines it. Google is one of the biggest organizations in the world, and it well documented that it also has a distinctive organization culture.

I found that all Google’s core values appeared to be optimistic and caring. Working in Google is more like to work in a colorful entertainment place instead of a dull cubical. This open-minded culture also allows their employees to be inspirational and creative. They welcome new ideas and thoughts which brought together smart and talented people from diverse culture backgrounds.

Personally speaking, I believe that Google employees’ happiness to the company’s success. Through knowing how to manage human resources, Google has many perks of being their employees. Most importantly, they take care of their employees physically, emotionally, socially and financially.

Therefore, allows their employees to serve customers with full attention and commitment. It is very likely that Google’s success can be attributed to its unique culture.