See ya later, alligator!

Corniest title ever, I know...but as soon as I finish this post I am done with BUAD 477 forever! Not that I won't miss blogging, I'm just super excited to say another class is done and over with. Now I just have 441 and 479 to tackle before graduation.

This is another blog on our classwork, and it took me awhile to come up with something I could speak about but I decided to relate on the concept of social media, which we learned during the second half of the semester and which was heavily represented on the final.

An example of social media are social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook, both of which I have accounts. However, I thought my more recent experience was more interesting as it relates to graduation. I will be graduating this May and have yet to find a roommate. No one seemed to be staying in the general area, and my training store is on 202 in Wilmington. What to do? Well, while poking around rent.com looking for one bedrooms that were relatively affordable (um...there are none) I came across their social networking option which allows you to create a profile in order to look for a roommate. You can add your picture, what you're looking for in a roomie, your preferred locations, and an about me section. The site also gives you the ability to search for, and message, other people who are also searching for roomies. I've been receiving numerous messages on the site, but always from people who want to live in West Chester. However, today, I was excited to find a message from a recent WC graduate who also wants/needs to live in the Wilmington, DE area. She seems really nice and we're both very much in the same boat. New jobs, new home, not a whole lot of money, and we both want roommates who are comfortable with the fact that our boyfriends will be visiting. She's going to look at places tomorrow and hopefully we'll meet up next week to work things out. Another social media success!

TBL Edit Evaluation

My edit on the Triple Bottom Line was my most corrected entry. While I often tried to make contributions, they were frequently shot down or altered entirely by other users. For example, I made a large edit in regards to this article by Michael Sauvante and the three variables on TBL. Despite that I got the information from a valid source, my entire change was reverted back and in the description the other user wrote that Sauvante was not the source of these ideas. Considering the apparent controversy with the origin of ideas, I decided to let that addition lay to rest.

The changes I made that stayed were:

Adding TBL to the aka section in the introduction, describing who first defined sustainability as a term, how the concept of TBL creates responsible to the 'stakeholder' rather than the shareholder, renaming people 'human capital' and planet 'natural capital', and adding an argument against the concept which describes how TBL is difficult in application.

Last TBL Edit

Just completed my last edit on TBL and my last Wikipedia edit EVER! Well, unless I should feel so inclined to do it on my own time.

This time I just went through and made some edits in regards to grammar and spelling. A lot of the sentences in the entry were long-winded and in desperate need of commas. Also some word were spelled, not incorrectly but, inconsistent with the rest of the article. For example - 'favourite', 'labour', and 'organisations'. While these are not wrong, I felt it was necessary to change them so that the entire entry matched up with one consistent spelling of each word.

Once More, With Gusto!

I've been slacking on my posts in regards to our classwork. Sitting here I think one this we've covered fairly extensive is SEO. It's interesting because despite the time we've devoted to the topic, I'm not sure I actually 'get' it. Even when Alex's friend, Bill, from SEO by the Sea, I was still confused as to how it truly works.

To look it up, I went to our good friend Wikipedia to see what users had to say about SEO, but it didn't add much to what I already know about what influences page ranking. However, I did learn some new terms related to SEO that had not been touched on in class - the concepts of 'white hat' and 'black hat' methods.

A SEO method is considered 'white hat' if it conforms to the guidelines of a search engine and involves no deception. It seeks to ensure that the content a search engine indexes and ranks is the same content that the end user will see.

'Black hat' methods are consequently ones which are disapproved by search engines. The most typical offense related to 'black hat' methods is when a page sends the user to a page different from the one that the search engine ranked.

Another Post...Oh My

Sitting in the library about to study and I figured I'd evaluate my Wüsthof entry before I move on to 382.

Their company website is lacking in a lot of information so these edits were of particular difficulty. However, I was able to add the system of processes that each of their knives undergoes in the manufacturing process. I also added that the company provides a line for Le Cordon Bleu, a culinary school, which had not been mentioned yet. I was also able to provide that the company is the official partner of the German Chef's Association, and the means through which they distribute their knives. I had added information about their well-known guarantee but another user reverted it back to my previous version, perhaps because it seemed like I was promoting the company in mentioning it. While I was unable to add as much content as I did with other entries, I think I did make a fair contribution considering the limited information available about the company.

Computer, Ads, and Procrastination

Today I was searching far and wide for something to add to any of my classmate's blogs. Since most of us have been so bogged down with Wikipedia, I decided to choose one of Mike's updates from a little while back. Patrick had also commented on this post by Mike but I still had more to add. Mike's post was about local new stations and their use of websites, which provides more effective advertising.

My main contribution was the fact that these networks have also begun to do the same for their television series. Major networks such as NBC, ABC, and FOX are now permitting you to view their shows on the internet for no cost. This gives people the ability to catch up on the episodes they miss, if necessary, but also for people to gain an interest in the series online. I never turn on my television. Quite possibly the last time I watched TV on my own set was about a year ago. However, this online option is my new best friend, and suddenly I've become a watcher of Dancing with the Stars (don't judge), Drive, Ugly Betty, Lost, and several more. I can watch them on my own time, and with the mini player option, I can watch them while writing papers for class (or my blog post). Also, with each episode, the website randomly generates a sponsor for each commerical break.

During this break the player is at a pre-set volume so that you can not tune the advertising out. Also, many companies have been creating interactive advertisements so that you are involved with the ad. For example, Fidelity Investments 'can make your life easier'. Their online ad for these network shows is a series of ridiculously easy puzzles and questions that you can play with. I can connect the dots (only 2 dots), find the word EASY in a word find of x's, pick my favorite color, etc. Another company, an insurance company, provides a scene and asks you to find the 13 bad omens. They are fun, interactive, and most importantly, unavoidable (you cannot continue the show without passing the ad).

So, if you need a study break, go enjoy some shows (and ads!). My personal favorite: ABC.

Employers' Google Search

I feel like many people underestimate how powerful Google actually is. Even for people who have never been on the internet themselves, it is quite possible that Google will affect their lives for better or worse. I just read this article linked from John Battelle's blog. I think it is particularly relevant because many of us in the course will be entering our first real full-time jobs. It also emphasizes the importance of doing a Google vanity search before you apply to these jobs.

The article discusses a ruling in which it was decided that Google background checks are okay. The ruling essentially states that employers can complete their background search on potential, and current employees, via the internet. Since a search does not require communication between parties, it is a valid means for obtaining information on something previously done by said employee. As discussed previously, even if one were to have that internet material removed, Google's cache option would still allow the employer to look at any previous pages.

The best solution? Keep your nose clean, kid.

BNL Edit Evaluation

The next Wikipedia edit I thought I'd evaluate is my BNL entry. Initially, a lot of the information I had wanted to add was already there. I really had to navigate their website in order to come up with other things worth mentioning. Since I am from Long Island and have been on their tour numerous times, I was able to add some information unknown to most others, such as:

• That the lab has its own zip code along with its own police station and fire station! Also, since this acknowledges how large the lab is, I looked up how big the site is, 5,265 acres!


• I also knew a lot about the summer program so I added to that section. I wrote during what time the programs take place and what they include.


• Being somewhat of a dork in HS, I would sometimes help out with the Robotics club. Because of this, I knew that the lab was deeply committed to supporting education on LI and was able to look up to what extent.


• I also noted that the lab is currently the 5th largest high-tech employer on the LI.

In addition, I also added what other facilities the lab is partnering with as well as how the lab, being government-owned, is funded for its activities. I think my added contribution was great in that it included a lot of important issues and facts that had not yet been addressed in the entry.

TCP Edit Evaluation

I decided to analyze my progress with The Children's Place Wikipedia edit first, since it is the one I am most proud of. Originally an entry for TCP did not exist! Creating my own entry was initially difficult because I had to get acquainted with all the Wikipedia standards. For example, I had an problem in the beginning learning how add the footnotes/references section. With some navigating on the website, I was able to figure it out.

I have added almost all the information currently on the entry, with little in the way of correction from other members. I'm not entirely sure if that's because it's all good, or because people have no interest in the article. I think my favorite parts are the company information box, which I figured out how to do by looking at another company's entry, and also the picture. They add key facts and visuals that help represent the company.

Lastly, I think the coolest thing about this particular entry is that when you search 'The Children's Place' on Google, it is the #11 search result, up from #15 when I last mentioned it!

Last Wüsthof Edit

Also just wrapped up my last Wüsthof edit on Wikipedia. I added:

"Each Wüsthof product comes with the Wüsthof Warranty which is a lifetime guarantee in regards to the quality of their product, covering material and manufacturing defects. Cutlery by Wüsthof is manufactured with the highest quality standards, which exceed the required DIN (German standard) and EN (European standard), alike."

Last BNL Edit

Today I made my last edit to the BNL website. I added information about the two main facilities that BNL currently sponsors outside of their own facilities, ATLAS and SNS.

Wikipedia Edit

Made another edit to the Wüsthof site. This time I added that they are the official partner of the German's Chef Association, that they make a line for the culinary college Le Cordon Bleu, and also how they distribute their products.

Last TCP Edit

Today I made my last edit to The Children's Place Wikipedia entry. I added a couple of things about competition and how the company anticipates to remain competitive as of their 2005 annual report. Unfortunately some of the information I would like to put in is not as up-to-date as I'd like, as the company was late to file for 2006. All-in-all, happy with the turn out but I'll evaluate that as a whole in a later entry.

Enjoy the beautiful weather! (finally)

Also, I just realized my entry is the #15 search return on Google for The Children's Place. Pretty cool!

Wüsthof Dreizackwerk

I just did a new Wikipedia blog, this time on a company I researched for a class last year. Wüsthof Dreizackwerk is a producer of high-quality knives for professional and household use. I added some information about how the knives are made, what their major competitors are, and who the current owner of the company is.

ATL

The title has nothing to do with this post, but rather the fact that I am posting from ATL, Ga! I am currently here for a 3rd step interview. I do have some down time though, so I figured it would be a good time to devote to 477.

I just finished reading a post on Slashdot entitled 'Research points the finger at PowerPoint'. Basically the article suggests that it is more difficult to process information if it given to you in the written and spoken form at the same time. While it is effective to speak to a diagram or chart because that exhibit displays something you cannot explain in words, it is not effective to both hear and see the same words. Essentially there are limits on the individual's brain in processing and retaining information in your short-term memory.

One's working memory can only handle about two to three tasks at once. Past this point, mental tasks are lost and forgotten. In our own daily lives, I think, we can see the decline of effectiveness for PowerPoint as we sit in class struggling to read, hear, and write simultaneously. Throw in some problem-solving, and we have already exceeded the limit that provides for an atmosphere of learning and development. I, for one, love PowerPoint and it's possible death alarms me. In keeping PP as a useful business and classroom tool, we should be well-advised to use it when it is needed, and to refrain from doing so when it is not. Charts, pictures, figures, etc. may sit on the screen, but save what you want to say word-for-word for your index cards.

Also don't forget to check out the site for Stiuqxela.

Stiuqxela

I published my post about stiuqxela in haste the other day before class, but I should probably explain what the term stiuqxela refers to. Stiuqxela is a fictional term that we devised in class that links to the site of the Green Bay Packers. It is part of our experiment for our 477 class, as we will be having a contest for the #1 site for stiuqxela.

Wikipedia Edit

Yea, it's me again. Third time today. Must get some things out of the way since I'll be out of town later in the week for interviews. Yay real life?

Anywho, I just finished another Wikipedia edit. This time I did some more work on my BNL article. I added some things such as how the lab is funded, how it contributes to education, and how it strives to be dedicated to the community in which it lives. I also noted that it is the 5th largest high-tech employer on Long Island. I think my next edit will focus on compartmentalizing what other people have written into more distinguishable subheadings.

Midterm Assessment

I must admit, I was a bit taken aback by the midterm exam before break. I was not much of a fan of all those ‘except’ questions and many of the questions shocked me. I feel like some key questions were left out that I really expected to be, and thought should be, there.

These, in particular, were questions:

• about The Long Tail
  
• relating more directly to the W3C
  
• about the concept the last mile
  
• about the concept of cybersquatting
  
• about the internet and how it affected certain businesses (travel, retail, etc.)
  
• about the traditional communication model in contrast to the www communication model
  
• more directly taken from the books and what we had discussed about them in class

All-in-all, I wound up doing pretty well, but that was in largely due to the fact that I’ve been keeping this blog up-to-date. We’ll see how my actual performance fairs for the next test.

Experiment

stiuqxela

Hooray for Being Up-to-Date

Today I made my last Wikipedia edit due before Spring break! Even though I'll be working for all of it, it'll be lovely to have a little break from school.

I just made another edit to my entry on the Triple Bottom Line. This time I had a lot to say. I took almost all the information from an article I have from my BUAD472 class last semester. This time I added something really important that I found missing...a detailed description of each of the bottom lines. I added what they included and also gave a brief overview of what each of those mean for a business. I also did some cleaning up in the definition section.

VALS Survey

It's been alittle while since we've talked about this one in class, but I came across the link to the VALS survey as I was studying for the midterm tomorrow and figured I'd write a quick blog to help me catch up.

First off, I was really surprised that the survey was comprised of so few questions! And most of them seemed to rate you on one of four dimensions. I was expecting something much different. But I guess, overall, as consumers...we're not too complex.

My primary type was an 'Experiencer'. I'm actually really shocked. It states:

'Experiencers are motivated by self-expression. As young, enthusiastic, and impulsive consumers, Experiencers quickly become enthusiastic about new possibilities but are equally quick to cool. They seek variety and excitement, savoring the new, the offbeat, and the risky. Their energy finds an outlet in exercise, sports, outdoor recreation, and social activities. Experiencers are avid consumers and spend a comparatively high proportion of their income on fashion, entertainment, and socializing. Their purchases reflect the emphasis they place on looking good and having "cool" stuff.'

Looking at the descriptions for all the other types, I would've positioned myself in the Makers category. I guess the characteristic that separated me from that group was the fact that I place some value on material possessions. However, the first half of the 'Maker' type was me to a tee.

Or maybe it's just how I see myself in the next few years. Until then, looks like I'll be spending a high portion of my income buying clothes and having fun :-P What a shame!

Effects in the Long-Run

I was just checking up on what all my group members were up to and I came across Patrick’s post about sea creatures and electronics. In order to get a better understanding of the article I went, not to Slashdot’s discussion, but rather the original source. Reading the article is a little confusing because I don’t have a strong understanding of the chemicals and processes involved. However, what I did take away from it is that scientists are using the shells of tiny ocean creatures in order to create products such as gas sensors which more efficiently detect pollution.

What I found particular interesting is that although they mention that over 100,000 species in the ocean have the characteristics appropriate for this conversion, it mentions nothing about what would happen to these species after having undergone these processes. Because the conversion requires the outer shell of the creatures, one can only assume that the creature itself will die in the process. “The Aulacoseira diatoms used in the research reported by Nature were millions of years old, obtained from samples mined and distributed as diatomaceous earth”. The benefits from these processes don’t address at all the effect of losing these 100,000+ somewhat species to science. It seems to me, at least, that nature seems to know what it’s doing until humans decide to mess with it. Unless we consider the effects of using everything in nature for solely our own (humans’) benefits, we might be in for some unpleasant surprises in the future.

Wikipedia Edit

Today I made another Wikipedia edit, this time on the article for the Triple Bottom Line. I added a few key things that I have from articles for my BUAD472 class from last semester. I added the fact that the triple bottom line demands that businesses respond to the needs of stakeholders rather than shareholders. I also added an argument against the concept, which states that TBL is difficult in application, because it does not provide a means to sum all three bottom lines: profit, environment, and society. I was alittle disappointed I forgot to add a description of my edit, but I can't seem to find a way to go back and change that. Other than that, it's looking good.

You're So Vain...

you probably think this post is about you?

Carly Simon aside, today I decided to do a Google vanity search.

I'm not going to lie, I've done it many times before, but since we talked about it in class last week I realized it had been awhile. Also, since I've been doing that whole 'real-world job search fun' lately, I figured it certainly wouldn't hurt to check out the online scene.

It was somewhat exciting to see what things were actually there. The WFHS directory and Latino students of distinction had been there for awhile but it brought up a new lot of sites, mostly those related to classes. This blog came up, as well as the links to one of my other class' website.

What I didn't like is that that particulary website lists my cell number. Alas, until the class is over or I speak directly to that professor, I guess I'll deal with it. It's interesting to try and interpret what someone would determine about you based on your Google search. But since, so far, we just know I graduated from high school and have been awarded through UD for good grades, I hopefully shouldn't have to be concerned.

Catch Up

You'll probably see a lot of me the next few days, as I make some attempts to beat the clock to Spring Break.

Today I was poking around the required blogs, looking desperately for something to write about. It took awhile but luckily I stumbled upon an article on Modern Marketing entitled 'If you're not interested, stop listening'. The article talks about Dell's recent foray into idea collection via their customers. They've recently created IdeaStorm, which is a company-run website that allows customers to post ideas and comments about Dell and their products.

There are several main aspects in this site and what it could do for Dell. These aspects are independent of the article itself, as I came up with them after some analysis.

1. Creating a Dell community - Love of a product is even more unique and special when you can share that love with other people. Communities designed to support products by the people who enjoy them are not uncommon, and are certainly helpful to the companies. Examples would be Harley Davidson and their Harley Owner's Group, or online-based with the Treo Smartphone and Andrew Carton's blog.

2. Giving customers a direct link to the company, and providing them with feedback - An issue with companies, especially in a growing economy, is the increasingly large distance between the company and the consumers, themselves. Resentment is often present with consumers who can not communicate directly to a company with their own comments and ideas. The site allows a direct forum for consumers to put their two cents in, which may lead them to eventually put their $1,000 worth in when they get to the cash register or online checkout page. With this growing use of technology as of late, businesses should be doing everything in their power to create any sort of relationship possible with their customers.

3. Allowing new ideas into the Dell mainstream - Dell is going through a period that necessitates change. While still doing quite well, it is hard to forsee how things will remain in the future. They were extremely popular in being able to specialize computers to the needs of each individual customer, but this once core competency has become much easier to replicate. The company's long-time CEO Michael Dell has recently turned over the position to Kevin Rollins, which has larger been discussed in the news. Dell needs new ideas and a new edge in order to remain competitive in an industry which is being quickly commoditized. Not to mention, it's free ideas!!

4. Giving Dell a competitive advantage - This one's a little less complex. Building a relationship, promoting ideas, and differentiating themselves will give Dell a competitive advantage to catapult them into an equally profitable future.


But, if they don't listen and respond to the needs of their customers, which the article states is currently the case...it'll be a long time before we'll be 'getting a Dell!'

New Edit

I just finished another Wikipedia edit! This time it was on Brookhaven National Laboratory, which is a goverment lab near my hometown on Long Island. I added some information about the town in which it is located and about its summer program (bought of which I know from being a resident). I also expanded on the areas of research listed since it was missing about 4 key areas. Lastly, I explained why it is named Brookhaven, and also how large of an area it actually spans.

It should be interesting to see if anyone alters my edits, since this is the first time I've changed a pre-existing entry.

Wikipedia Edit

I made another edit to my The Children's Place Wikipedia entry, since I didn't want to leave it so blank. Of course I made the mistake Professor Brown had warned about and saved it not realizing that I was no longer signed in. However, I reverted it back to my past edit and made the changes again, which will hopefully suffice.

This time I added some pretty interesting things. First was the company infobox which was created using a Wikipedia template. It shows the basic information of the company within the box, as a quick reference. Also exciting was the addition of a picture (one of a TCP storefront). It took me a while to figure out how to deal with the picture as far as licensing was concerned, but hopefully this is correct. Though brief, I also added another section about TCP's competitors. There are also noticeable changes in the content of the background, as I went and filled some information in.

Starbucks' Getting Cold

While browsing my Bloglines subscriptions, I came across an article on Diva Marketing about Starbucks that caught my eye, mostly because Starbucks is one of my all-time favorite companies. I enjoy their product and the employees that provide them to me. However, the article spoke much less about the good of Starbucks and much more on the negatives they are currently facing.

The company has been, for a long-time, planning to massively expand the scope and number of their shop locations. Their current goal is to have 40,000 locations world-wide. This is up from an original goal of 30,000 shops just a few months ago. This came into effect during last semester, when I had been working on a project for my marketing research class involving Starbucks. The major issue with this huge expansion is the fact that it could potentially take away the key competitive advantage that Starbucks has offered its consumers over the course of the years. Atmosphere. Starbucks has been selling much more than just premium coffee - it’s been selling friendly, knowledgeable baristas, warm and relaxed atmosphere, and a place to get away from the grind of daily life. Hence, what they would call the 'Starbucks Experience'. The initial premise was for Starbucks to be a community-oriented, local coffee shop. This raises the question if this distinction can hold true when a different location exists every time you round the corner.

Until the article peaked my interest, I hadn’t considered the lost of atmosphere very much. I’m a generally busy college student, caught here-and-there between school and work and the occasional night out. But reflecting on it, it’s been rare for me to linger in Starbucks as I once did. The community events held at the Newark location have become far and few between, though they did have a store scrap book during the holiday season where you could take a Polaroid and add your own page (quite nice). But the same poems and drawings from local schools reside on their walls, leading me to believe that their involvement with the locals dwindles with each-and-every day, as the need (or desire, rather) to grow financially takes control.

It’s a major concern that this growth will not only lose what once separated them, but specifically that they will become a commodity product – such as fast food chains. This could potentially expose Starbucks to a mass amount of competitors, as companies like McDonald’s up the ante on coffee products.

The personal relationship could be easily lost, and asking a barista for a drink suggestion on a drive-thru line might not bode well with all those people behind you. Starbucks once gave you a reason to come to the shop…and stay there. What was once an oasis may now become just another in-and-out routine. But does that mean I’ll be giving up my black-and-white mochas anytime soon? Certainly not.

First Wikipedia Edit

Today I made my first Wikipedia edit. I created an article on The Children's Place, which did not yet have a Wikipedia entry. It was not one of my originally planned entries. All of the information currently on the article should be what I have, thus far, written. I added some brief information about the company, such as when they started and where they are located, as well as the basic structure of the stores. I bolded the name initially within in the article because according to the Wikipedia website, this has become a Wikipedia convention, and I wanted the article to be in line with what is expected from the community. A small difficulty I had was finding how to site the article using the footnotes that I have seen in other entries. Having read that articles without citation are frequently subject to removal, I made it a point to figure it out. Some searching led me on the right track and I was able to create my footnotes with reference tags.

However, while the footnotes are present, I can't seem to get it to reference the information I typed in at the bottom of the page for those footnotes. Something to work on. Overall, it worked out pretty well.

Introduction

The course I have created this blog for is Information Technology Applications in Marketing, or BUAD477 as they call it at UD. Our class blog can be found here. I'm excited about this new blog. I've used Xanga and Livejournal to blog before but have, since then, shut down both accounts. I also look forward to using available technology in a classroom setting. I will be using this blog to post periodically throughout the semester, as well as to comment on the blogs of my classmates and other subscriptions. I will post again soon!

Numero Uno

I have created this blog for my course at the University of Delaware.

Click below to subscribe to my blog via Bloglines!