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