Module 8

Technology stimulating the success of education

by Hunter DeVries

            Just being a click away from learning is something that we take for granted in our days. Imagine the magnitude of just taking away the capability to edit a paper, look up information for a class, or even create a presentation. I can remember having specific computer classes to teach us how to type and use basic Microsoft programs. Now my 12 year old sister is using more complex programs on a daily basis to be able to complete her homework assignments. I would like to explain some of the important things I have been able to do thanks to modern computers systems and internet capabilities.

            First off, I am grateful for the grammar check. Since taking an honors English class in 9^th grade I have loved writing papers. I have loved it so much, that I starting writing articles for my high school newspaper by the time I was a junior in high school. From there I wrote for the Standard-Examiner for the TX section for my senior year. I can guarantee that it wouldn’t have been possible for me to complete all those assignments on top of my school work, if they never would’ve created the writing programs for computers today.

            Second, computers have given us the greatest gateway to any information used for research on any subject, that gateway is called Google. Honestly, Google is the reason why students all over the world can have a resource to complete almost any project. The thought of not being able to cross reference any project without Googling the information is as crazy as making chocolate cookies without chocolate. Luckily two men named Larry Page and Sergey Brin were creative enough to create that now household name, Google.

            Now finally, I appreciate the great job that Robert E. Kahn and Vint Cerf were able to do by making the Internet.  The internet is an ever connecting and forever evolving space to the business and education world. It allows us to access things that can come from your local library or even information stored on the other side of the world. The accessibility that the internet has given me to be able to study whenever and where ever I want, has been an indescribable freedom and convenience, I don’t know what I would do without.

“The goal of education is the advancement of knowledge and the dissemination of truth.” Stated by John F. Kennedy. I believe the advancements that have been made thanks to technology completes John F. Kennedy desires. The list can go on and on but overall the impact that technology has been in my life is limitless. But I can say one thing, the advancements today have set us up for a great chance for educational success tomorrow. 

MODULE 7

CHAPTERS 10-13

BY HUNTER DEVRIES

            It’s funny what competition does to us. It can bring out the most creative and most ingenious ideas, businesses, and cutting edge innovations. Then there is the other side of the coin, it can bring out the most difficult law suits, corrupt business deals, and the ever difficult system malfunctions. In this article I will be focusing on the positives and negatives of the following topics: Globalization, Self-directed consumer, and the competition of comparative advantage.

            Comparative advantage is something I like to call, “First come. First serve.” It is a dog eat, dog world out there and it is constantly changing. So when changes happens, you have one of two choices, either adapt or be yesterday’s news. Now when talking about business you have to recognize that all of this applies. For example, different countries make different consumer products, but it doesn’t mean that specific country will always lead the pack in making that product. China and India are constantly changing the status quo because they have their minds set on being big and better at making certain products. It not only helps other countries step up and create better products but also helps make countries strive to dominate specific fields. The key to being on the top, is staying there through constant effort, creativity, and passion to be number one.

            We as consumers like it easier, faster, and more convenient, or in other words a self-directed consumer.  Self-directed consumers are those that take shopping into their own hands. People who like to be self-driven and take the initiative, and just shop from the convenience of typically their own household. I for one, am a self-directed consumer. I enjoy having the ability to shop within the push of the button. To have the items specifications, reviews, price checks, and then click checkout, all at the tip of my fingertips. I am a big fan of Amazon, it gives me all the tools and information to look at previous purchases, wish list items, and to simply make a purchase online. Thus by creating a comfortable environment to make purchases, the customer continues to feel confident about buying with that company through their website. Well played Amazon, well played.

            The key to any business is working at a worldwide level to better your company, country, or your own business and endeavor to be able to interact and integrate with the other businesses at a global level. This process is called Globalization. By which your target segmentation increases which typically increases your revenue. Now some companies have gotten to that point like McDonald’s, Facebook, or Wal-Mart and they are successfully recognized at a global level. These type of companies are also considered part of Americanization. Which is basically American companies, who influence different countries to buy their products. Some oppose the thought of American companies being successful in different parts of the world, but there is only one answer to that. “It’s nothing personal, just good business.”

            Progression is the key to making a business successful at any level but especially on the global scale. If you don’t adapt you will end up like AOL.com, Blockbuster, or Saturn Car Company. If I learned anything from these chapters it is that dedication to detail and ambition to grow, makes the true advantage to a spinning business world. 

MODULE 6

Chapters 5 to 9

            The business world is one that I think we can sum up in one word, unpredictable. I feel like the business world is much like any kind of sports game, because it can seem predicable but then “BAM”, didn’t see that coming. I learned some interesting new things that I had not really considered or fully realized. I would like to explain what I learned by relating it to sports.

            Free Trade is the ability to do business at the international level without restrictions such as taxes, fees or quotas typically. Now my take on this is that there needs to be some restrictions now and I say that because simple rules and regulations gives us a balance in anything. Just imagine a football games without downs, sideline limits, or even basic rules. It wouldn’t be something worth playing because there isn’t a way to measure your success without those basic regulations. By using rules and regulations it would bring out the best in the business world, by making it that more competitive.

            A “Middler” isn’t a punchline from a joke from Abbott and Costello. Let me describe to you the qualities that are necessary for any businessman or player in any game. First, a good team player in any company is something that is fundamental. A team player is someone that is selfless enough to worry about the success of the company, rather than the success of one’s career in the company. Much like from a quarterback to the left guard, each and every player makes a significant contribution. Second, is the ability to also lead a team and carry out your plans.  To work with a team and give out assignments is the means to be able to reach goals, much like a captain on a team helps his teammates orchestrate a successful offense or defense. Third, inspiration and creativity make any project or goal not only feasible but successful. When you run into trouble with any business venture, you have to realize one thing it isn’t over until you say it is over. Much like in any sporting event, the fight isn’t over until the whistle blows. You can make last minute changes to make that product have a successful edge.

            “A smart man makes a mistake, learns from it, and never makes that mistake again. But a wise man finds a smart man and learns from him how to avoid the mistake altogether.” by Roy H. William. I think that sums up the equation that is CQ + PQ > IQ. Intelligence is something that is looked for but someone with creativity and passion is something highly sought after. I consider someone that is creative and passionate the “Game Changer” of a business team. They will be the “Energizer Bunny” that will continue to push and motivate a group during the whole process of any business venture.

            It’s not anything personal, it’s just business. The business landscape is built up by those who “play to win”. The people who are ambitious, creative, and willing to do anything to succeed, are those will make the final score count. It doesn’t matter if it is a game or if it is a business, because it all comes down to one phrase. “Let’s make this count!”

MODULE 5

“The World is Flat”

By Thomas L. Friedman

                What do you think when you hear the words Triple Convergence? Or what about Intellectual property? Or finally the business relationship between Indiana and India? It’s no secret but it is something that we need to understand in order to survive in the business world. Now much like any plan, it comes down to certain phases or changes to make progress in the business world. I would like to go over a few of these advancements with you, because to survive you need to understand these key factors.

            Triple Convergence begun around the early two thousand’s. Instead of companies trying to just make it “big” by themselves, they came to the mutual agreement to help each other out. This was made by partnerships with other companies to be able to flatten the playing field and also to try to make it easier for the customer. We have adapted since those early years so we don’t recognize the convenience methods that were made for us. Instead of waiting in lines to buy something at the local store, it can be shipped to our home for free. The list goes on and on, of how by making business connections with other companies not only makes that business better but broadens their target market.

            Indiana versus India sounds more like an international sporting event but in some ways it truly was a competition which I thought worked out for both parties. Now I believe that the exploited party was the Tata Consultancy Services from India. The reason being is that they knew the amount that the Indiana workers were being paid and they took a huge pay cut. We not only were able to save money by getting the same quality of work done, but now have the ability to use that money to create more jobs. The exploiter or the Indiana State Government will get the work done for the unemployment claims by the India agency, and will be able to create new jobs in Indiana. Which in theory would help the state of Indiana have less claims for unemployment.

            Creativity is one of the important reasons why we continue to have more and more business in the world. But we need to be careful with our creativity or as the business world likes to refer to it as intellectual property. Now a person doesn’t just have ownership of an idea just by thinking of it, but rather creating a patent, trademark, or copyright. We not only need to be creative in the business world, but also we need to be quick to protect our creativity. I constantly find myself thinking of creative business ideas but then I find out that the idea has already been patent protected or copyrighted. America is great for that reason, we can make anything out of nothing with a smile on our face. The United States truly is the place where creativity no only runs wild but also continues to surprise us.

            Now let’s make connections, make the tough decisions, and be creative. This isn’t something that will only affect the way we look at the business world now, but rather how history will be able to describe this time of economic progression. Will we be waiting for the conclusion or will we be a part of making it.