During the last class of the semester we discussed innovation as a value added. We talked about Innovation and Technology combined. The Eight Pillars of Innovation was something new that I learned. They included things such as Institution and Policies, Infrastructure, Human Capacity, and Technological Sophistication. Five input pillars represent aspects that enhance the capacity of a nation to generate ideas and leverage them for innovative products and services.
Three output pillars define the benefits of successful innovation to the citizens and organizations of the country. I found a very good article that was in World Business that goes into depth about the eight pillars of innovation http://www.innovendo.net/pdf/Global%20innovation%20index%202007%20-%20subranking.pdf
Monday, April 20, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Norma Castaneda: Innovation
In class we discussed how important being innovative is. Innovation means a new way of doing something. It may be radical, incremental or revolutionary changes in the way of thinking, product, processes or organizations. Organizations are seeking for innovative people that will help in great deal to the development of the country.
I found this pretty interesting website which allows you to discover new innovative ideas that you hadn’t though before. Enjoy!
http://www.jimcarroll.com/blog/how-to-be-innovative/
I found this pretty interesting website which allows you to discover new innovative ideas that you hadn’t though before. Enjoy!
http://www.jimcarroll.com/blog/how-to-be-innovative/
Norma Castaneda Twitter. What are you doing?
Twitter is the latest free social networking in which you can communicate briefly with people all over the world. I believe this is a great idea as emails and texting are to send long and specific messages. Twitter is a relaxed network in which you answer simple questions such as “what are you doing?” Sharing small events such as how are you feeling and what are you doing have fascinated millions and millions of people around the world. Twitter is a great example of innovation and networking.
To begin twitting just go to www.twitter.com
To begin twitting just go to www.twitter.com
Tiffany: Performance Measure
During class we discussed measuring performance in the workplace. Questions that were asked were "What is performance measure?" and "How do we measure it?". Performance can be measured in a variety of ways including evaluations, tests, and outcome. Based on the results of your performance, many organizations will place you into a specific job. Good performance evaluations can result in promotion. Bad evaluations can result in firing or negative job evaluations. We also watched a short clip of the movie The Devil Wears Prada. The clip showed a woman who was trying very hard to impress her boss, but it seemed like her boss didn't like her and made her job very hard. Another character in the movie looked at the situation from a different perspective and felt like she should be privileged to work for such a great company no matter how hard it seemed. He pointed out that there were hundreds of young women who wished they had her position. She seemed to be quite shocked at his response and started to look at her position from a different perspective.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Tiffany: Globalization
One of the topics discussed was globalization. This can be a very controversial topic with people around the world. Many in the United States think of globalization as a positive way to spread business, culture, and ideas around the world, but others disagree. One of the clips we saw in class was of people rioting in masses to stop decisions being made to globalize. The common fears of globalization are that the culture of the home country will be lost. Often people can lash out violently when they feel as though they don't have a voice in their own country. After doing a little research on the topic, I've found that their is actually a "Anti-globalization movement". Some of the topics regarding the theory of anti-globalization can be found at the following link:http://www.newformulation.org/1antiglobalization.htm
Tiffany: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
During class we watched multiple videos featuring Stephen Covey during his seminars. He is a an author that is known for the bestselling novel titled "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" and "First Things First". I think that people gravitate towards the ideas in his books is because
" it ignores trends and pop psychology for proven principles of fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity."https://www.stephencovey.com/7habits/7habits.php
" it ignores trends and pop psychology for proven principles of fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity."https://www.stephencovey.com/7habits/7habits.php
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Gabriela: globalization [03/24/09 class]
today's class centered around globalization and the effects it holds on the economy. Many argue that globalization is good for the economy, other differ. A current example of this can be found on the posted link. http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7961106.stm
Albania : 7 Habits of HIghly Effective
I've read the book once and it been a great benefit to my personal life as well as my professional life. In class we completed a quiz to help us find the area in which we were the weakest, the habit in which I need most improvement is to "begin with the end in mind" and to "put first things first" instead of living in crisis mode and always putting out fires like I've been living but have made much improvement.
Well the book goes through three stages the first is dependence which is the paradigm we were born which is, relaying on others to take care of us, the second stage is independence which is the paradigm in which we can make our own decisions and take care of ourselves, and third is the interdependence stage which we are able to cooperate well with others to achieve common goals.
After taking the quiz the professor gave to us I noticied that stage that I need most important is the dependence stage, which caught me by surprise but when I really taught about it made alot of sense, so I will be reading this book again so I can fianlly master that stage.
Well the book goes through three stages the first is dependence which is the paradigm we were born which is, relaying on others to take care of us, the second stage is independence which is the paradigm in which we can make our own decisions and take care of ourselves, and third is the interdependence stage which we are able to cooperate well with others to achieve common goals.
After taking the quiz the professor gave to us I noticied that stage that I need most important is the dependence stage, which caught me by surprise but when I really taught about it made alot of sense, so I will be reading this book again so I can fianlly master that stage.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Gabriela: .com [03/10/09 class]
Today's class was mostly about the ".com phenomenon." The following link explains that concep and how it came about in detail.
www.redtiger.co.uk/dotcom.html
Monday, March 9, 2009
Norma Castaneda:7 Habits of highly effective people
The professor brought to our attention how the book “The seven habits of highly effective people” may be helpful for our business education. The book lists 7 main principles that are supposed to help a person achieve effectiveness. The 7 habits include: Be proactive, Begin with end in Mind, Put first things first, Think Win/Win, Seek first to understand, Synergize, and sharpen the saw. This book has been so successful that has sold over 15 million copies in 38 languages since first publications. Great successful people have read and keep encouraging people to take advantage of it.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Gabriela: Covey's 7 Habits [03/03/09 class]
Last class we watched a video that featured Stephen Covey, distinguished author of "7 Habits of highly Effective People." Professor Rocha even made us take a test to measure each student's effectiveness. I was curious to learn more about each habit and stumbled upon this website that gives a brief summary of each habit. If you want to learn more about Mr. Covey's seven important habits go visit this website: http://www.businessballs.com/sevenhabitsstevencovey.htm
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Tiffany: Social Entrepreneurship
During last class we watched a series of videos and had an in depth discussion on the topic of social entrepreneurship. It was my favorite class so far because it really made me think about my decision to pursue employment with a well known corporation. I started to think about possibly working for a company with a mission to better society. One of the main topics was an organization by the name of Ashoka. This organization has changed society all over the globe. Ashoka's main goal is to accelerate social change around the world by helping non-profits implement their objectives by giving them access and connections to make a difference.
Another thing that I learned is that social entrepreneurs are different from regular entrepreneurs. Social entrepreneurs seek to make a difference in society through their business. They are not as concentrated on making a profit. One example of such company's are "green businesses". Going green is a big trend now with businesses. It is such a big trend now that company's are using the term "green" to promote their business. It's a good idea to inspect and do a little research to check whether or not it's really green.
Another thing that I learned is that social entrepreneurs are different from regular entrepreneurs. Social entrepreneurs seek to make a difference in society through their business. They are not as concentrated on making a profit. One example of such company's are "green businesses". Going green is a big trend now with businesses. It is such a big trend now that company's are using the term "green" to promote their business. It's a good idea to inspect and do a little research to check whether or not it's really green.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Norma Castaneda: Companies are going "Green"
Buildings fundamentally impact people and the health of the planet. In the
Green design not only makes a positive impact on public health and the environment, it also reduces operating costs, enhances building and organizational marketability, potentially increases occupant productivity, and helps create a sustainable community.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Albania: Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Presidential Address to Congress:
The speech given by our 44th president Barack Obama was awesome it revived us as a society even though it looks as ugly as it does right now, he said it best when he said " we are not quitters." The speech focused on the economy and the assurance that " we will rebuild, we will recover, and the United States of America will emerge stronger than before." The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which is law already will be focused on energy, healthcare reform and education. The plan will create 3.5 million jobs in the next two years, families who are struggling to pay for college will receive a tax credit for $2,500, and 95 percent of working housholds will receive a tax cut starting April 1. The president also mentioned that vice president Joe Biden will oversee the plan and he also let us know that each cabinet member, mayor, governor will be accountable by him and American people for any wasteful spending, and there is also a website recovery.gov where we can see exactly where and how the money is being spent.
The speech gave me an assurance that we are going to make it, and he also mentioned that for change to come we need to act proactively with him to make it happen, I'm ready!
" Yes We Can" "Yes We Can" "Yes We Can" "Yes We Can" " Yes We Can" "Yes We Can"
The speech given by our 44th president Barack Obama was awesome it revived us as a society even though it looks as ugly as it does right now, he said it best when he said " we are not quitters." The speech focused on the economy and the assurance that " we will rebuild, we will recover, and the United States of America will emerge stronger than before." The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which is law already will be focused on energy, healthcare reform and education. The plan will create 3.5 million jobs in the next two years, families who are struggling to pay for college will receive a tax credit for $2,500, and 95 percent of working housholds will receive a tax cut starting April 1. The president also mentioned that vice president Joe Biden will oversee the plan and he also let us know that each cabinet member, mayor, governor will be accountable by him and American people for any wasteful spending, and there is also a website recovery.gov where we can see exactly where and how the money is being spent.
The speech gave me an assurance that we are going to make it, and he also mentioned that for change to come we need to act proactively with him to make it happen, I'm ready!
" Yes We Can" "Yes We Can" "Yes We Can" "Yes We Can" " Yes We Can" "Yes We Can"
Gabriela: SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP [02/24/09 class]
After discussing in detail social entrepreneurship during the last class i went online to find a site dedicated just to social entrepreneurship news and found one! For those who are interested the site is: http://social-entrepreneurship.alltop.com/ This site is a great tool for those who are planning to become social entrepreneurs. It gives out ideas, examples and tips. Everyone should really read this blog at least once a week. It is really inspiring. ENJOY :D
Albania: Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The Role of the Social Entrepreneur:
In this chapter, in the book " How to Change the World..", it discusses how over the past century, researchers have studied business entrepreneurs extensively. The social entrepreneur has recieved little attention in comparison to the business entrepreneur who we analyze every aspect from the orientation to action, to there personal values.
However we do acknowledge the abilities and strengths of social entrepreneur and have named them humanitarians or saints. The ability to shift people's perceptions and behaviors is by skillfully marketing the idea , and marketing the idea is the sling shot to creating change and to push it forward you need individuals who are obessed with seeing change and who year after year find research and will not quit until the job gets done even if they are alone at the beginning stages. The role of social entrepreneur is to be committed to making an impact and having the necessary motivation and energy to see it through.
In this chapter, in the book " How to Change the World..", it discusses how over the past century, researchers have studied business entrepreneurs extensively. The social entrepreneur has recieved little attention in comparison to the business entrepreneur who we analyze every aspect from the orientation to action, to there personal values.
However we do acknowledge the abilities and strengths of social entrepreneur and have named them humanitarians or saints. The ability to shift people's perceptions and behaviors is by skillfully marketing the idea , and marketing the idea is the sling shot to creating change and to push it forward you need individuals who are obessed with seeing change and who year after year find research and will not quit until the job gets done even if they are alone at the beginning stages. The role of social entrepreneur is to be committed to making an impact and having the necessary motivation and energy to see it through.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tiffany: Does Corporate Social Responsibility Really Pay Off?
This article brings up a few really great points. Companies are using ideas like corporate social responsibility to gain a competitive edge in the market. When we think about organizations that aren't practicing social responsibility, are they actually punished because of it? If they are, then it us probably very weak or else we would hear more about it.
http://www.forbes.com/2008/10/16/csr-doesnt-pay-lead-corprespons08-cx_dv_1016vogel.html
"We increasingly hear that corporate social responsibility has become a business imperative. Newspapers, magazines and books glowingly describe the business benefits of behaving responsibly--and caution managers about the business risks of a poor CSR performance.
Executives are repeatedly informed that by demonstrating concern for the environment, human rights, community development and the welfare of their employees both in the U.S. and abroad, they will make their firms more profitable. Their firms will gain a competitive advantage by appealing to the growing numbers of socially and environmentally oriented consumers, investors and employees.
The belief that corporate responsibility "pays" is a seductive one: Who would not want to live in a world in which corporate virtue is rewarded and corporate irresponsibility punished? Unfortunately, the evidence for these rewards and punishment is rather weak. There is a "'market for virtue," but it is a very limited one. Nor is it growing.
One can certainly find examples of firms with superior CSR performance that have done well, as well as firms with poor CSR reputations that have performed poorly. But there are at least as many examples of firms with good CSR records that have not done well and firms with poor CSR reputations that rewarded their shareholders.
The good news is that firms with superior CSR performance have not performed any worse than their less virtuous competitors. But the disappointing news is that neither have they done any better. For most firms, most of the time, CSR is largely irrelevant to their financial performance."
http://www.forbes.com/2008/10/16/csr-doesnt-pay-lead-corprespons08-cx_dv_1016vogel.html
"We increasingly hear that corporate social responsibility has become a business imperative. Newspapers, magazines and books glowingly describe the business benefits of behaving responsibly--and caution managers about the business risks of a poor CSR performance.
Executives are repeatedly informed that by demonstrating concern for the environment, human rights, community development and the welfare of their employees both in the U.S. and abroad, they will make their firms more profitable. Their firms will gain a competitive advantage by appealing to the growing numbers of socially and environmentally oriented consumers, investors and employees.
The belief that corporate responsibility "pays" is a seductive one: Who would not want to live in a world in which corporate virtue is rewarded and corporate irresponsibility punished? Unfortunately, the evidence for these rewards and punishment is rather weak. There is a "'market for virtue," but it is a very limited one. Nor is it growing.
One can certainly find examples of firms with superior CSR performance that have done well, as well as firms with poor CSR reputations that have performed poorly. But there are at least as many examples of firms with good CSR records that have not done well and firms with poor CSR reputations that rewarded their shareholders.
The good news is that firms with superior CSR performance have not performed any worse than their less virtuous competitors. But the disappointing news is that neither have they done any better. For most firms, most of the time, CSR is largely irrelevant to their financial performance."
Monday, February 16, 2009
Gabriela: Something to Think About [02/10/09 class]
something to think about....
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7850945.stm
Monday, February 9, 2009
Norma Castaneda: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
In the business and society class we talked about charity. Organizations often help society in different ways and for different reasons. Some small organizations may do it for publicity, because they want the company to be known as a charitable organization. Owners of huge organizations such as Bill Gates are also well known for charity. Bill Gates and his wife have the “Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation” which enhances health care and reduces poverty and in America to expand educational opportunities and access to information technology. To know more about the “Bill and Melinda Gates foundation” you may visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_and_Melinda_Gates_Foundation
Tiffany:2009 Annual Letter from Bill Gates: The Economic Crisis
In class we talked about different Foundations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has taken on a huge corporate responsibility. They taked on different issues around the world and provide resources that people need to make a difference on a large scale. Bill Gates has a annual letter that addresses many concerns that the foundation will target for the year. Below is an excerpt from the 2009 Annual Letter addressing the Economic Crisis.
"Although it will be difficult to keep aid-related issues on the front page during this crisis, we need to meet the challenge by making sure the success stories are told and making sure that inequity that is out of sight is not out of mind. Only with broad public awareness and voter interest will we keep aid on the positive track it needs to stay on.
I am impressed by individuals who continue to give generously even in these difficult times. I believe that the wealthy have a responsibility to invest in addressing inequity. This is especially true when the constraints on others are so great. Otherwise, we will come out of the economic downturn in a world that is even more unequal, with greater inequities in health and education, and fewer opportunities for people to improve their lives. There is no reason to accept that, when we know how to make huge gains over the long term."
"Although it will be difficult to keep aid-related issues on the front page during this crisis, we need to meet the challenge by making sure the success stories are told and making sure that inequity that is out of sight is not out of mind. Only with broad public awareness and voter interest will we keep aid on the positive track it needs to stay on.
I am impressed by individuals who continue to give generously even in these difficult times. I believe that the wealthy have a responsibility to invest in addressing inequity. This is especially true when the constraints on others are so great. Otherwise, we will come out of the economic downturn in a world that is even more unequal, with greater inequities in health and education, and fewer opportunities for people to improve their lives. There is no reason to accept that, when we know how to make huge gains over the long term."
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