After reading the articles of social entrepreneurs and arc initiatives, I found that there is a group of people aimed on improving society especially for these undeveloped countries. In addition, Arc initiatives are organized by Sauder to provide aid to third countries in their need of business knowledge and skills.

For the blog title asks, I think that only help them on donation and provide funds is not enough.  What they actually expect is the interaction with outside people (people from other developed or developing countries). So we have arc initiatives to provide a platform for those people, who want to learn business knowledge and skills. Generally, people from undeveloped countries are less educated, but it not means they are unable to run business. The true is most of them are intelligent and innovative, they just lack of education and experience. So, this is what arc actually does.

Social entrepreneurs are people with well educated, experience and most of them are successful in their life. So, improving society really need them to well-trained and educated people who have talent in business. To sum up, third world countries not exactly only need monetary support, but what they actually looking for are knowledge, experience and concerning from others. That is why we said the best way to save them from poverty is give them a fishing rod rather than a fish.

Sources: http://skollworldforum.org/about/what-is-social-entrepreneurship/

http://www.sauder.ubc.ca/Global_Reach/ARC_Initiative

http://news.ubc.ca/2014/06/30/upward-arc/

Image:  https://socinnovation.wordpress.com/2010/08/10/how-to-change-the-world/

I am really interested in James blog post of  “Everyone wants to work for Google”. Actually, I used to want to work for Google as well. But my thought changed a little bit now.

I definitely agree with James’ comment that Google’s organizational culture and healthy working environment attract higher skilled workers and assist in lower turnover rates. Similarly, I think that good working condition contributes in their organizational culture development and business cohesiveness. In other words, it raises employees’ satisfaction.

However, there is only one Google in the world. It is evident that advanced interior infrastructures lead to a considerable costs. Therefore, Google has to make more profit by increasing product’s price to cover these costs. But for customers, their satisfaction may goes down if the price of product is relatively high. It means customers may not buy products that are too expensive, even though your product with excellent quality and features. So, most companies would like to decrease costs by lower wages and acceptable working environment, and then they provide a low price that mass market is able to afford.

Nowadays, only a few companies like Google provide good working conditions because most companies in the world do not have much money and organizational culture like Google. Furthermore, they concentrate on low price and customer satisfaction more than employee satisfaction.

James blog: https://connect.ubc.ca/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_45362_1%26url%3D

Article Sources: http://www.forbes.com/sites/meghancasserly/2012/05/11/dream-companies-for-class-2012-everybody-wants-to-work-at-google/

Images:  http://slickzine.com/interiors/playful-and-creative-googles-zurich-headquarter/

http://www.ere.net/2012/05/21/the-death-of-the-cubicle-and-the-killers-are-collaboration-and-innovation/

The blog posted by Kawasaki talks about the Apple Store’s most innovative ideas in service and blog lists specific 10 things we can learn from the Apple Store. I choose this blog because I am a big fun of Apple, and we all want to learn why Apple is the world’s most famous electronic product company.  On the other hand, most of articles have introduced its innovative products and advanced technologies, but this blog focus on Apple’s innovative ideas in service.  That is the main reason of why I choose to comment on this blog.

After reading the blog, I think it is necessary for Apple to achieve success. We have learned from class that business who is the first enter to the market will have competitive advantages.  Apple did it not only in technologies but also in service. For technology perspective, Apple was the first company introduced smart phone. Furthermore, it is the first brand of  “in-hand” computer- IPAD, and innovation of the lightest computer MacBook air.

Apple used innovative ideas in service as well.  They concentrate more on customer satisfaction rather than profit. Employees in Apple Store are pleased to chat with people for an hour without selling them any product. I think Apple is best representing the word “innovation”. They have innovative ideas everywhere. Apple is unique in the world and no one can copy its way to success.

Source: http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2012/04/10-things-you-can-learn-from-the-apple-store.html

Images: https://www.apple.com/support/iphone/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/29/new-macbook-air-price_n_5231755.html

My first blog post is about Starbucks, so you know how much I love Starbucks.  After reading the blog post of Starbucks Trends by Danny, I come up with some new ideas of reasons why Starbuck become popular in business travellers.

In Danny’s blog post, he said the biggest advantage of Starbucks is providing free wifi access.  Actually, I disagree with it, because most of stores and coffee shops provide free wifi access as well. Yes, I agree with that business travelers are less likely to choose a place to stay without free wifi. But it is not Starbucks competitive advantage.

In my point of view, the first reason is that Starbucks provide extensive drinks and food menu, which lead to more choices for business travelers of their meals. Secondly, Starbucks’ food quality is outstanding, which is healthier than McDonald and some other fast food restaurant. At last, I think the strongest reason is that Starbucks have their coffee shops and become popular all over the world. As we know, sometimes business travelers have to go to different countries, so they are most likely to choose the food they are familiar with.  Therefore, business travelers prefer Starbucks rather than local food restaurant.

Sources: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/28/business/the-winner-in-business-travel-food-expenses-starbucks.html?_r=0

Danny’s blog: https://connect.ubc.ca/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_45362_1%26url%3D

Images: http://www.newsgeneration.com/2014/09/12/starbucks-goes-social/

http://marketingland.com/coffee-mobile-king-starbucks-serves-mobile-strategy-98823

http://www.fitcoachcarla.com/starbucks-diet-on-the-go-fit-fast-food/

To sum up with the article, Zara’s success depends on the focused teams of designers and production manager, producing where it sells and accurately forecast demand of the market.

In my point of view, Zara using focused teams of designers and production manager is a good way to make specialized employees concentrate on their specific category of product. Furthermore, produceing where it sells is such the smartest idea. Zara distinguishes with other fashion brand such as H&M, which establishes their production factories in China or countries with lower labor rate. However, on behalf of quick response to the market change, Zara is ready to provide their new goods to customers but goods for H&M are on their way of delivering. In addition, Zara accurately forecast demand of the market can help them in reducing inventory carrying cost. However, sometimes it is hard for business to forecast because there are many uncertainties in the market.

In contrast,  Zara has no advertising cost and they use all savings to support higher production cost in some developing countries. I think we cannot ignore marketing when the business operates in accounting. Appropriate marketing activities can help the business in their accounting, since some marketing activities can enable sales increases and then it creates profit for business.

Sources: http://www.forbes.com/sites/walterloeb/2013/10/14/zaras-secret-to-success-the-new-science-of-retailing-a-must-read/

Image:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zara_(retailer)#mediaviewer/File:Zara_Dundee.jpg

There are many aboriginals in different countries, like the Maoris in New Zealand. As you know, the aboriginals in Canada are called the first nation.  The relationship between aboriginals and government are usually unexpected. Not the first nation in Canada.

After reading the news, I know that the relationship between Canadian government and the first nation is not that good still now. Actually, first nation was the earliest people who came to Canada and help to construct their country. However, immigrants quickly occupied their country and land even though killed native people. So, it is reasonable that Canadian government and first nation are always opposite since they resent people who exploited their family.

As a whole country, people need to be united. However, it is always hard to avoid argument among diverse minorities. Each one would think more in their rights. Therefore, I think what the government need to do is treating equally, as hiring native people in government positions. Furthermore, listening voices come from first nation.  However, for native people, being more educated and make themselves access to the society. Do not live with other first nations as a minority. At last, if there is a disagreement appears, try to communicate and negotiate with government instead of  litigation.

Link: http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Premier+urges+cooperation+more+litigation+government+natives+reach+fork+road/10194776/story.html

Ebola’s Cultural Casualty: Hugs in Hands-On Liberia

As we know, Ebola virus disease spread fastly in Africa. We usually think it is far away from us. However, a case of Ebola appeared in America nowadays. People become more alert about this disease. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment to this kind of virus. Generally, Ebola is spread through vomit, blood, tears, saliva and sweat. Therefore, the only way to avoid virus is stopping physical contact to people who have Ebola.

After reading this article, there are some reasons that indicates why is Africa? Obviously, countries in Africa are undeveloped, they do not have the advanced medical condition. In addition, their custom is kissing, handshaking and giving hug to friends or relatives. So,  if people in Africa can stop these kind of traditions at this special time, it might be the effective way to defeat the virus.

However, it is unreasonable that you do not touch or looking after your ailing mom and siblings. In my opinion, nothing is more important than the life. Your mother actually do not want to see their children surfer the disease as they do.

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/05/world/africa/ebolas-cultural-casualty-hugs-in-hands-on-liberia.html?ref=world&_r=0

Alibaba runs as a public company since Sep 19 2014.  It is the first E-commerce company in China, which established in 1999 by an English teacher Jack Ma. Furthermore, they introduced the first online tool of payment. Alibaba makes shopping more convenient and all the buyers and sellers are better off.

Alibaba is the best example of the first mover advantage. In 1999, Internet has not been used by people, but Jack Ma was thinking about the online service. Several years latter, Amazon became popular, people were more likely to accept this new kind of service. Then, Taobao established, which created the first B2C platform in China.

Nowadays, most of people in China cannot live without Taobao, because you can find everything you want here. Customers receive their goods in 1~5 days without going outside. On the other hand, the success of Taobao achieved also facilitate the express in China. From now on, although there are so many E-Commerence companies appear and sell their product online, Alibaba still takes the largest market share of E-Commerce.

Therefore, business who want to be succeeded should be innovative and try to be the first arriver in their area, so that the business have time to explore the market and build a good public image among customers just like Alibaba.

Link: http://www.alizila.com/gone-baby-gone-alibabacom-public-company-no-longer

Iphone 6 vs Samsung Galaxy S5

What is the most exciting news in September? Yes, it is the launch of the new iPhone – Iphone 6. As we know, Apple and Samsung compete with each other for many years. Most of people include me are always confused about whether to choose the new phone of Samsung or Apple. This news made a comparison between the iPhone 6  and Samsung Galaxy S5. It may help you on making decision.

The article compares those two phones from different aspects, which includes its appearance,  screen quality, camera, buttery life and etc. Both of the phones are outstanding in those areas, but there is no dramatic difference in their function between them. On the other hand, for its appearance, which is more subjective aspects as customers have different taste.  Therefore, I think the sales of two phones are generally depends on its marketing strategy.

So far, I must mention that Samsung S5 has introduced its value proposition as waterproof. The most attractive value proposition I think and it is why lots of people choose S5 rather than Iphone6. Moreover, The marketing department of Samsung posted a every interesting video, that is Galaxy S5 nominate Iphone6 to do the Ice Bucket Challenge.

In conclusion, the battle between Apple and Samsung is continuing.  The attractive value proposition and good marketing strategy depends who will be the winner.

Reading the full news:  http://www.businessinsider.com/iphone-6-samsung-galaxy-s5-specs-comparison-2014-10

Article address: http://bizgovsoc4.wordpress.com/2012/11/11/starbucks-how-ethical-behavior-can-boost-business/

This article is about the business ethics of Starbucks. Obviously, Starbucks conduct its business ethically in different aspects. Not only in its qualified products, but also concerned labors, customers, shareholders and its social responsibility. They provide the high quality products and focus on the diversity in workforce. They rewards their shareholders each year. All the stakeholders are benefit from Starbucks. That is why Starbucks can be one of the most famous coffee company in the world. On the other hand, Starbucks also concentrate on its social responsibility like using environmental friendly materials and recyclable cups. I think it can assist in its good public image. To sum up, companies should conduct its ethical behaviors on different aspects and make all its stakeholders get benefit from the business. Besides, companies also need to be aware of its social responsibility. Those ethical behaviors assist in boosting business and finally result in increasing profit.