Clothes giant plans female only store in Saudi Arabia

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David Robertson in Sharm el Sheikh / The Times /May 23, 2008

© Copyright 2008 Times Newspapers Ltd

Summary

H&M, the Swedish retailer, will open the first women-only department store in Saudi Arabia as part of moves to bring more women into the country’s workforce.

The store, which will be H&M’s first in the country, will be staffed entirely by women in what is understood to be a landmark concession by the Saudi Government. Saudi Arabia has strict laws that prohibit the public interaction of women with men other than their husbands. These extend to restrictions on working and driving. As the store will be staffed by women, the Government has insisted that only females will be able to shop there.

Small female-run stores already exist in Saudi Arabia but H&M, otherwise known as Hennes & Mauritz, will be the first major retail outlet to be staffed by women. It will open in a shopping mall in Riyadh this year and will be operated by the Alshaya Group, a retail company based in Kuwait.

Opinion

H&M is known for their cheap prices and good quality of their clothes, shoes etc. This brand is one of major SPA (specialty retailer of private label apparel) in the clothing industry. There are it could be really big challenge for people in Saudi Arabia, especially the government to accept this kind of big shops. Also, making all employees who is going to woke for H&M are women. H&M is embarking on an innovative development to open a store with women working in it. It shows that they are doing their business by understanding the local. They have to do it as a part of their social responsibility to women in Saudi Arabia.

Localization marketing is good for global companies like McDonald’s, Starbucks and so on. Because this kind of brand can be defended by people who do not want giant group in their country. Having good reputations and sound relationship with public and governments can decrease the unwelcome from them.

Student ID # 20500018

Entry # 13

Korea fashion industry stands at crossroads

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Summary
Korea’s textile and fashion was important role in economic growth during 1970 and 80s, however it has limitation. It didn’t have production of quality and design, so it lost market in overseas as Europe and America because it appeared competition such as India and China that has cheaper labor.
Recently, Korea market has confidence because it has tried to have technology develop and market trends and creative designs. However, experts say that it’s not enough so Korean companies should try to strength their technology, quality, and design rather than low cost to win against Asian competitors. Enhancing brand values and strengthening marketing strategies is also important factor to Korean market. But many companies still didn’t recognize that.
The market has undergone big changes and many consumers pursue unique style and value now. There are two characters in Korean market: primarily domestically produced market and high level designer brands.
Korean customers are affected by imported brand names and higher prices with superior quality because they want to show their social status and wealth through wearing luxury brands.

Opinion
The Korean fiber market has been important role to draw economic development for last 20 years. However it focused only low price through cheap labor so it couldn’t read trend and fail to meet the situation, I think it was the biggest mistake for losing market.
Korean cloth business get bigger and rapidly grower both online and offline.

To win the competitors such as china, we should develop new high-tech material. Because we can’t win competitors as low prices, so we focus on quality and design. Korea national name value is also important role for it. In fact our products are treated low value even though it has good quality because of lack of name value, I think.
For example, world people think Japan’s products are excellent and select them without hesitation. Like this, Korean fiber market strength its brand image and notify our excellent product. It is good way to hold international events regularly to hold spotlight.
Above all, local companies have to recognize importance about marketing strategy for their products. To success it, they can cooperate with local communities in various ways. It can give benefit to local company and community at once. And marketing strategy need to be more specific development through professional management mind.
# 20300194 - Entry 13
(Ref: Koreaherald / by Cho chun-un (christory@heraldm.com) / May 30, 2008

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2008/05/123_24982.html

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Summary

The new CEO of Woori Financial Holding, Lee Pal-seung CEO of Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, has promised to accelerate privatization and enhance its non-banking sector. At a press conference, he clearly mentioned the first priority of speeding up the privatization of the group and increasing its competitiveness. Also, he suggested it be a worldwide bank and M&A is a new alternative in achieving that goal. He knew its weakness of non-banking sector and will try to boosting securities and insurance.
He said it can make it through a unity between subsidiaries and he can help them derive best effiency. Moreover, he graduated Korea University where President Lee also did. He began with a banker at Hanil Bank and was at Woori Investment & Securities and then moved to the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra in 2005.

Opinion

Woori Bank is the third biggest financial group(behind KB and Shinhan) in the market value. A heavy mission is given to the new CEO Lee Pal-seung due to complicated economic situation. We can summarize two strategies in his comment.
The first one is the privatization. In fact, Woori Financial Holdings is the sum of previous various banks and securities; for example Hanil Bank, Hanbit Bank, and LG Investment Securities. Therefore, the CEO should express their subsidaries' merits with the unity of them. But M&A can harm the unity so he will react this very carefully because M&A costs considerably and the effect on firm is very excessive.
And the second thing, non-banking sector, is very good because 자통법(Captial Market Integration Law) is executed in Feb 2009. Then, the Korean JP Morgan will be born and many financail group is preparing for this situation. Woori's Commercial Bank is very strong(1st place in Korea) so it has an enviornment expanding non-banking area.
Woori is very large and it can be bigger and bigger with CEO's sound business. We will notify the new CEO of Woori react this market situation.

(Source : KRX)

#20300576 - Entry 12
(Source: Koreatimes, By Kim Jae-kyoung(Staff Reporter), 2008/05/29)

At best buy, Marketing goes Micro

20700011 entry#13

At best buy, Marketing goes Micro

Article

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_21/b4085052698079.htm?chan=innovation_branding_top+stories

In this article, best buy segments their customers specifically. Best buy is the biggest electronic company in U.S.A. and they sell all kinds of electronic products. They are targeting on sailors who are on the boat for their job. Best buy thought they could sell their products to them because sailors are willing to buy products like ipod or laptop while they are in the other countries. purchasing the stuff like laptop or ipot while they are on abroad has big advantage for them because of the reasonable price without the tax. targeting on specific group of people could be a kind of big risk for the company but they decided to segment through a big chellenge.

In my opinion, segmentaion is a good marketing stratdgy even though it has a big risk for the company. They could provide various products of one specific category for the customers who are interested in that category. customers will remeber that company as a specialist which sells that product. In these days, it is not smart to sell all kinds of products in one mall. They better focus on one kind of product and segment their customers specifically.

20700011 entry#13

Authentic Relationship -

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Summary
Today, market is full of products. Consumers face the over abundancy of products in all market and services. So many executives ask, "how to differentiate themselves with others." Today, it is important to create authentic relationship with customers.
Today, many companies use different strategy to do marketing for their products, from media to Internet advertising. The more advertisement people see, many loose their trust in the product/service or company itself. Apporaching customers became easier, however to gain their trust is not as easy. 21st century copany should work for authenticity, that can connect the firm and the consumers.
Before advertising nd sending our products, companies need to look back and see who theircustomers are, at te time. And think in a customers' point of view, if the product has any connection with them. Customers seek for connection and relationship.

My Opinion
I definitely agree that it is very important for a company to create true relationship with its customers. When we look back at our markets today, we have great abundancy of all products and services all over the world. If not available in one country, we can bring any product or service from other countries very easily. People today aren't seeking for the product and service itself, but for the value and connection it has with the company.
Personal service is very important. I, as a customer myself look for places where I feel comfortable and familiar with. When entering a service company, I see if I am recognized. Recognition plays a very important role, when the customer himself/herself feels that they are a loyal customer. For a product serving company, it is important for the company to bring the right products to the right customers.
Products and services are limited, however it creates great value when the have surpassed the expectation the consumer holds.
As we have learned in class, a loyal customer is better than a few new customer. So creating relationship with the right customers should be considered a great marketing strategy, especially in a market like we have today.

Entry #13
20600770
(Source: Business Week "How to Stand Out? Try Authenticity" May 28, 2008

Product Advertisements in TV Dramas Go Subtle

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(Reference: The Korea Times/By Jane HanStaff Reporter /05-29-2008)
Summary
BMW sedan and Infiniti coupe sale have increased because they have attracted customer’s attention through television drama. Nowadays, however, that kind of advertisements not only includes luxury goods like car but also is focusing on other small goods. In recently ended drama “On Air,” the main actor used espresso coffee machine. Since it exposures on TV frequently, the coffee machine sales jumped about 20 percent. And Daewoo Lucoms’ computer products have also increased their sale through TV drama. Among PPL advertisement, mobile phone is the most popular item. In 2004, Pantench & Curitel mobile phone sold their products more than 50,000 sets a month through SBS drama “Lovers in Pairs” And then their competitor such as LG and Samsung have used PPL like P&C. According to this article, television shows and dramas get about 40 percent of their production costs through PPL advertisement.
My Opinion
Nowadays, we live around lots of advertisement’s exposures. There are not only direct advertisements through TV and newspaper, but also indirect advertisement like PPL - we have seen in this article. Actually I am interested in automobile, but since I saw BMW car on TV drama “All in” as PPL, I like BMW sedan. And Samsung showed their products on the movie “Spider man” and “Matrix” Therefore, I think that they could enhance their value of brand.
I think PPL is Win-Win strategy because it is good for producer and advertiser. Producers are be able to make better quality film or drama through that kind of investment, and advertiser can inform their products directly or indirectly. Therefore, they can get many positive effects for their products through attractive characters on TV or a movie. However, indiscreet PPL advertisements lead to negative effects for their goods and programs. Many people blamed the movie which Jun ji hyeon appeared because they showed too many products. Therefore, I think PPL has pros and cons but if customers recognize that PPL is direct advertisement due to a rash use, PPL’s merit will be offset and it will be returned as drawback.

#20400251 Entry #13

Disney- visual marketing

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Summary
Celebrating Disneyland's 50th anniversary, they launched a online program called Virtual Magic Kingdom. In this website, Disneyland fans can experience the activities in Disney virtually, create avatars and play games to collect points and more. These points collegected through various online activities, can be actually used in real life. Disney boasted that there were million avatars created from this program itself. Many fans used this site to make friends, chat, and participate in programs such as the company's resort in California and Florida.

However, Disney announced that they will discontinue the use of this website. Because this website was just for the celebration of the 50th anniversary. It was just prolonged because of the high interest from the people. ManyDisney fans are against this act. 20,000 petitions were written and dozen people stood in front of Disney to protest. However, Diseny continues to pursue their decision and promote other programs that are offered with monthly fees.

My Opinion
I believe Virtual Magic Kingdom was a great program that Disney promoted. It was opened at the right time and the right place. Many people had access to Disneyland all over the world, and 50th anniversary had great meaning to the company and their fans.
However, Disney is trying to stop this online program because of its expenses and support of other programs available with a monthly fee. I believe that this will hurt Disney's image and many of its fans' wants and loyalty.
VMK is a free program, used by hundred and thousands of people all over the world. This is not a one on one relationship with Disney and the fan but a whole community activity. Disney fans' meet one another through online games and interact with one other. I believe that VMK is a great promotion to Disney. Rather than discontinuing this program that is so loved by many people, I believe that Disney should open it.
20,000 petition were signed against of this discontinuation. I believe that Disney has the obligation to fulfill world-wide consumers' want by charging a fee for this program and continuing it. As read in the article, programs were charged $9-10 dollars. The value of the VMK will determine the right price for the service provided. I believe that people with strong attachment to this program will pay the price for such experience and activity. This program is a great marketing that will keep many consumers attached to Disney. Disney isn't a place where people can go often or anytime. People need to invest time and money to enjoy themselves one day at Disneyland. The website keeps loyal customers, and also a promotion to the loyal customers with their points that can be actually used in real life.

I believe its a great program for the LOYAL consumers of Disneyland.
20600770 Entry #12

More Digital Ads Are Produced Offshore

More Digital Ads Are Produced Offshore

Article

http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB121140392514311893.html?mod=2_1567_leftbox

summary

More and more companies try to give their works like digital advertisement to little-known company in developing countries.
The benifits of this outsourcing trend include companies has created a digital promotion company called Prodigious which works with a stable of offshore providers. Most companies had hard time to find labors to feel their needs in USA. But they are finding their needs from the developing contries like Costa Rica. Because their time xones are compatible with those in the USA and they have high concentrations of English speaker and work experiences.

My opinion
outsourcing is one of good challenges for these days' companys. they don't have to spent too much money for the same work if they outsource their works to the developing countries. they could fill their needs from finding the people who just fit for their work. The market is getting bigger and bigger as transportaions and technologies become higher. Outsourcing companys' digital ads to developing company is one of the solution to reduce the cost of the marketing products because the companies can provide their goods to customers at more reasonable price.


20700011 entry#12

Samsung to showcase products ahead of Beijing Olympics

Article(By Korea Herald/21 May 2008)
Aiming to solidify its image as a premium brand in China, Samsung Electronics Co. plans to demonstrate the latest of its cutting-edge products at a high-tech exhibition in Beijing.
The company said yesterday that it is participating in the China Beijing International High-Tech Expo 2008, an electronics industry fair running from today to Sunday.
Occupying 575 square meters of display space, the Korean company will introduce to Chinese customers a range of its products from a 70-inch LED-backlit LCD TV, TV sets with the most advanced display technology of organic light-emitting diodes.
Also on display are the world's smallest color laser printer which Samsung unveiled last month, and its Blu-ray players and full high-definition camcorders and cameras.
Coming during the run-up to the Olympic Games in August, the exhibition is seen as an opportunity to raise the profile of Samsung, one of the only 12 worldwide Olympic partners and the official sponsor for the games' mobile communication system.
Samsung will also bring to the tech fair a series of mobile phones specially developed and designed for the games as well as its global strategic model - the Soul.
By Lee Sun-young
(milaya@heraldm.com)

Summary
Samsung is going to participate in Beijing International High-Tech Expo 2008 so as to enhance their premium brand image in China. And they are going to introduce the best display technology such as 70-inch LED backlit LCD TV. And they are also exhibiting color laser printer, which is the smallest in the world, Blu-Ray, camcorder and digital camera.
My Opinion
A few months ago, Samsung has been hit hard by unethical behavior in Korea. Even though they are still suffering from lots of tough situation, for example Chairman Lee has resigned from CEO; they are overcoming well as the best globalization conglomerate in Korea. They have recorded the best selling and have been able to outsmart Sony that is their competitor.
Where is Samsung’s power from? It is not that they are promoted the best global giant through the good products. I think what they have supported many international exhibits as part of brand marketing was important. When I have been to Eastern Europe, many Europeans don’t know Korea but know Samsung. I realized Samsung’s position as global company. Thus, the value of brand is beyond a nation. Therefore, I think other Korean firm, which works just in the domestic, should enhance their value of brand and go forward global.
# 20400251 Entry #12

Banks sell Special Products Aimed at Super Riches Only

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Summary
Recentrly, banks are competitively launching investment products which target to super rich competitorly by product named PB-private banking. For example, Deutshce Investment Trust Management succeed to draw attention of wine dilettanate people who lived in Seoul through selling the premium wines produced in France’s Bordeaux.Banks sell these fund to only PB customer because it is too complicated for ordinary coustomer to understand. They also require subscrivers to invest at least 10 million won.Moreover some overseas equity funds are initially designed for PB customers. For example, there was KB Vietnam Focus fund. PB centers introduce super rich customers to private equity funds which composed of small sized investors.

Opinion
In korea, there are so many products which target to only super rich customers in various areas from orninary products to finance service. It is getting bigger and more competitively. And it’s not critical matter any more. Markets for super rich weren’t damaged even during the ecomomic slump and it was certain attractive factor. Most of all, there are differences about purchase power between ordinary and super rich customers, and it's difficult factor to ingnore. In addition, it can make high level image. We can see those around us in common.

However it has negative image about Pb marketing because people feel relatively deprivation and it is deficit in present marktet situation. In bank there is VIP room and it is compared with general customer who wait a long time.It is not sufficient only interest rate competition among bank competitions, so it is expanding its competition to culture marketing.So it has to strenghten their brand image and offer product differentiation to maintain its customer in long-term point of view. And it needs to develop special products and provide service through keeping quality talet and pursuit customer satisfacton.

#20300194 -Entry 12
(Reference: The Korea Times / by Yoon Ja-young, staff Reporter / 05-19-2008 19: 13)

Pens that provide the write accessory

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Lucia van der Post / The Times /May 23, 2008 © Copyright 2008 Times Newspapers Ltd


Summary


What is fascinating is that pens have once again become desirable objects that tell the world as much about your taste and style as the watch you wear or the handbag you carry. As Colin McClymont, managing director of The Pen Shop, puts it: “I fought long and hard to take writing instruments out of the stationery cupboard and put them in to the same category as watches and jewellery - in other words to turn them into fashion accessories.”

Of course, turning a hitherto mainly masculine large, black and gold object into a fashion accessory doesn't happen by chance. The marketing guys have worked hard. First, they brought out smaller versions to suit more dainty hands, so that whereas, not that long ago, 75 per cent of pens were sold to men, today the figure is about 50-50. They also consulted trend-predictors to make sure that they knew the fashion colours of the season and then brought out spring and autumn collections.

Then they tried to ally their pens with jewellery - Montblanc did it most spectacularly by encrusting some of their pens with jewels and by photographing them with the opera singer Katherine Jenkins, wearing fabulous Montblanc jewellery.

Opinion

There is a famous phrase, 'Do not judge the book by its cover', but most of people in this world know that it is so hard to do. I have a friend who usually know someone's background and even personality by watching his or her possessions like watch, clothes or bags they are wearing. Because it can be an way to assume someone's position in the society.

From this reason, people seem to buy luxury things more and more for present themselves as a high-level person or rich. Nevertheless, it has been hard for pen to be a luxury symbol; it is just black and gold object for writing down something. The marketing guys have worked hard. They made a smaller version of it to suit people's hade easier and searched the trend of each season. Also, they made it something pretty and unique by adding jewelers so it definitely worked for the women.


Student ID # 20500018
Entrty # 12

Mobile Phones Become Interchangeable Between Carriers

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Summary

Third-generation phone users of SKT and KTF can change the firms by July. The Korea Communications Commission(통신위원회) let the providers to release their USIM (Universal Subscriber Identity Module) chips a small computer chip inside cell phones. But LG Telecom is excluded from this service because of the problem of system. The USIM unlock will help customers to have more than one cell phones with a single USIM card. It will also make easy the trade of second handsets.
However, it is likely to break profits of the mobile firms, who have imposed a heavy entrance fee on new members. And KCC thought the consumers can buy the phone through a variety of ways.
KCC decided this since it is a global trend and our country can't keep it away. Therefore, the five directors of KCC agreed with this with unanimous approval.

Opinion

There are 43million Korean mobile members. How large the market scale is! I will write down in a view of KTF because KTF’s market share is about 30% so it is necessary to increase it through aggressive marketing strategies.
First, KTF should emphasize their leading company of 3rd generation mobile company as it started early than SKT did. It also should announce their safety and various functions as first firm.
In addition, KT is its supporter; moreover, it is planed it will merge with KT. Then, their market power can overcome SKT's. Through these background(wire communication market:KT, mobie market : KTF), they can maximize their profit. Above all, they must change the image of public enterprise at firtst by improving their business structure especially in KT.
KTF can obtain more market share and keep 1st place in 3rd generation market though the former two strategies.

Entry 11 - #20300576
(Ref. The Korean Times, 05-22-2008, By Cho Jin-seo Staff Reporter)

SK Telecom makes foray into Chinese gaming market

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Summary
SK Telecom-the nation’s top mobile carrier-entered the china which is the fast growing online gaming market. It contacts and make agreement about investment with Magicgrids Networks which is china-based company specializing in developing and publishing online games. China’s online gaming market has rapidly growth-82% between 2001 and 2007.
SK Telecom has participated in mobile services, music label and telematics company.
It aczuired a 42.2 percent skate in TR music co, and 65.52 percent skate in Shenzhen E-eye High Tech Co which is a global positioning system service company in China.

My opinion
I think it’s obvious that China online gaming market is a surely attractive market. It’s amazing figure which showed 82 percent exponential growths for just two years. How huge it was! Guess the market size of China gaming market, it’s not difficult that many companies went into China market. Through operating Magicgrids, SK expects to be Hub of Asia game, and I think that it’s not impossible.
However, it has to strength its strategy. Many corporations has participated in game market because game market has huge potential growth and it’s very high cost value business. But many corporations didn’t set proper strategy against game market. Because of market’s character, it is impossible to success without capability of business process, we saw many companies had failed even though their good game idea, and ability of production.
Online game market is different area with established areas, so they have to respond its rapidly changes to success in online game industry. I think SK Telecom has advantages based its huge fund ability, combination with capable business partners.

# 20300194 Entry-11
Reference: The Korean Herald /Friday, May 16, 2008
/By Jin Hyon-Joo (staff reporter -hjjin@heraldm.com)

GM: LIVE GREEN OR DIE

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Summary

In 2005, General Motors had an idea of having electric-cars due to the high gas price. They had plans for new cars and product strategies, such as cars with lithium ion batteries that is capable of charging cell phones and laptops. GM did have ideas of creating such cars, but it was temporarily leased to certain number of people and not sold. It wouldnt have made any money for the company. In the other hand, Toyota created Pirus hybrid and created a brand image of being environmental friendly. They have created a car with no need of any fuel while GM was creating vehicles such as the Hummer, that consume great amount of fuel. Toyota won the greed cred.

In 2007, GM decided to create "newfangled electric car called, "the Chevrolet Volt." GM also pushed itself to create such vehicle by 2010. GM finally realized that gas price will not decrease and that these vehicles create pollution that affect global warming. GM is attempting to loose money and create cars that will do good for the environment. They are created planet-friendly and desirable vehicles for all.

My Opinion

How is GM's new production of vehicle related with marketing? I believe that GM's new strategy and idea creating new hybird cars is marketing brand image most of all. First of all, GM's cars were affecting the environment by the pollution created that the gas from the cars. The world is facing threats from global warming and pollution and as a responsible company GM considered created an environmental friendly vehicle so that the company and the consumers themselves feel more responsible with their driving and lifestyle.
Secondly, Toyota won the greed cred. Toyota gained the first-mover advantage by creating Prius. Toyota gained a brand image of innovation but also environment responsibility. Their production have no only increased customers attention but also the trust of the consumers. GM had to compete with a strong competitor, who has already gained name through the vehicle.

By creating hybrid cars- GM can gain more valuable image of its name. GM will be known for environmental friendly, and also efficient products (charging laptops and cellphones). This new product to come ahead will support GM's brand image.

Entry #11 - 20600770
Reference: Businessweek.com "Cover Story - May 15, 2008 5:00PM EST"
"GM: Live Green or Die"

Hyundai Flexes Muscle Overseas

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KoreanTimes
Kim Hyun-chul
(Staff reporter)

2008/5/16





Summary

Hyundai Motors, the biggest automaker in Korea, expected the sales of produce overseas will be over that of the domestic one. It said its sales and export and net profit are increasing.

An analyst of it stated the risk of exchange rate let it manage difficultly but if the exchange rate were steady, its profit would be bigger and it's another reason of the expansion of foreign country. And the rate of foreign proportion was bigger until 2003(46.2%) and decrease to 45.6% in 2006. However, it established the second plants in China and India and is under construction in Czech Republic. Moreover, the maker is planning to apply diverse culturally sensitive marketing strategies to secure future competitiveness in the foreign market.

New products will have an important role in exports growth and in the forefront is Genesis, Hyundai Motor's recent model. Another new production, i30, is putting up a favorable reputation all over the world.

Opinion

Hyundai Motor have a good strategy because the Korean market alreadly get saturated so it should pioneer the others market, world market. For these, it tried to understand other countries' culture and then it found new factories or planed to build. Through its trial, it can reduce the transportation cost comparing with the production in Korea. It will bring Hyundai recognition and competitiveness.

And it would like to develop a new product like i30 or Genises that must have new functions, comfort, and good design. If they attract foreign people and the people acknowledge them, its sales figure in the county will be bigger than before.

So, its desirable strategy will be continued. Through these, Hyundai Motors will get more market share in the world vehicle market.

#20300576 - Entry 10

Running in Empty

기사보기
http://www.newsweek.com/id/137176














Running on Empty?

Summary

In this article, the RV industry is in the economic slump in these days. As oil price goes up, every transformation gets influenced by that. Therefore, the fare of the all kind of transportations becomes more expensive. It makes people not to travel much and stay home for the vacation. But if you have a vacation with the RV, Recreational Vehicle, it would be much cheaper than just traveling by normal transportation, because it is not only a vehicle but also a room to take a rest at night. It will save much money for the travel or any kind of vacation. It will help travelers save on hotels and appeal to those who prefer leisure and economy over glitz and speed.

My opinion

Traveling with the RV is a one of the best choice for the vacation. Because of the high oil price (gas price), wherever you go, it will cost much for the travel. RV car is made for the travel at a small cost. And it is very useful for anyone who wants to travel. it satisfies people who want to feel comfortable during the travel. if they plan a special marketing for this RV, the result of it would be amazing.

20700011 entry#11

Steve Jobs Stakes Out the TV Den

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Times By DAVID CARR Published: May 5, 2008

Summary
Does Apple can hit the monopoly shakes off from Microsoft management? Answer to that question would be yes. Recently, Apple has upgraded their product function to accelerate competition in movie and TV industry.

On Thursday, the company announced deals with 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney Studios, Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures, Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Sony Pictures Entertainment, among others, to sell movies for download on iTunes on the same day they are released on DVD.

Difficulties that movie business have faced was to deal with such big fat video files that are harder to share than audio files, was able to watch and learn as the music industry shrank under the weight of pirated downloads and then reluctantly embraced a 99-cent solution from Mr. Jobs.

It seems like music companies still owned the songs; however, Apple owned everything else – including pricing, format, distribution and the influential stream of manufactured devices.

“Apple is just one piece of the puzzle as it relates to digital distribution,” Mr. Tsujihara, president of the Warner Home Entertainment Group, said. “They sell hardware and we sell software, and we had to come up with a pricing model that works for both parties and allows the consumer to legitimately access our content. The ultimate solution is coming up with a format that allows it to be played anywhere – in your car, your PlayStation, on your computer”

Opinion

It’s more than one surprise when I see the creativity coming out of from Apple. When I-Pod hit on the rock recently, their improvement will never stop until strong competing company is introduced or proposed to be against with. It seems like we have to praise the convenient technology which has been boosted up on the skyrocket. However, we have to understand the decision that they would challenge to other business or industry. The homogeneous product competition last for short period of time nowadays so that people are struggling to figure out what ways they could face to break down with other companies. Categories are various and decision is left on your shoe. It’s rather you would wear them or just look at them like display out on the Athlete’s Foot Shop.

In addition to the handy product, the movie industry had always wanted to maintain custody of the user experience – in the theater, on home video and on television. Another main stream of Apple is to propose to use easiest possible way to reach users to be happy with. I think that is brilliant idea of Apple that only if you could pay less amount of money to download songs and movies on you iTunes and all you need to do is copying into your IPod or PMP etc. Smart enough to understand how fast the competition is firing, Blockbuster, the biggest movie rental business in the U.S., has eagerly to shake hands with Apple to receive some commoditization profits.

It will take some time. Many homes are still not ready to share digital files; download speeds are sporadic, and the DVD remains the format of choice. However, it’s the matter of time whether which company takes cover everything on this competition. Apple is the main character of today and I would rather put my money on Apple considering this marketing strategy.

#20400251 Entry #11

Guinness turns the tide after big increase in marketing by Diageo

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Dominic Walsh / The Times /February 15, 2008 © Copyright 2008 Times Newspapers Ltd.


Summary

Diageo, the world's biggest drinks company, has turned round the fortunes of Guinness in Britain and Ireland after a big increase in marketing of the brand.

Sales volumes of the stout rose by 3 per cent in the UK for the six months to December 31 compared with a fall of about 5 per cent in the overall beer market. It was the first rise in sales of Guinness since 2005. Volumes in Ireland, which had fallen sharply in recent years, were flat despite the overall market declining.

Shares of Diageo rose by 47p - almost 5 per cent - to £10.81, the biggest increase in the FTSE 100. The company reiterated its forecast of full-year underlying operating profit growth of 9 per cent.


Opinion

Having a good brand image is crucial in marketing. Marketers make people buy their product only by having recognition of their brand name. It revealed in this article as well.

Paul Walsh, chief executive of Guinness, said” We continue to look at all our options, but the last thing I want to do is harm the provenance and heritage of the Guinness brand.”

Guinness' advertising campaigns in European countries were popular on websites such as YouTube. This contributed to get high image of brand.


Student ID # 20500018
Entry # 11

Hyundai Thanks Chile EXPO Support

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Reference : The Korean Times(Internet)/By Kim Hyun-cheol, Staff Reporter/05-09-2008 16:59)

Summary

Kum Ho tire, the second biggest tire production firm in Korea, is accelerating its expansion in overseas market as they are challenged by the current competitive market situation which is changing very rapidly.
Their expansion is not only targeting Asia countries but also American market which is the biggest in the world.
The chairman of Kum Ho tire is seeing his company's successful enlargement as the only and the best key to survive among other competitors and he's trying to achieve this goal by minimizing cost of production both in overseas and domestically. He also commented on the current price raise and it was because of increased cost of factors of production and he promised that he will invest more money to make the production process more environmentally friendly.

Opinion

These days, the world is becoming smaller and smaller as the globalization shortens the distance among countries. As the reciprocal relationships between countries are getting stronger and stronger, they are more less-independent and more relying on one another. Especially for multinational companies, the importance of overseas market sometimes exceeds their domestic market because they find more demand there. Kum Ho tire has also found out that expanding their business in overseas is unavoidable as they see rapid demand increase in overseas market and they are doing it because they believe that their enlargement is the best way of producing high quality products at the lowest costs. I believe Kum Ho tires’ strategy is very appropriate and pioneering because world tire market is very competitive and it’s really hard to catch up if you fail to follow the market trend which is changing really quickly.
In my opinion, Kum Ho is very likely to experience successful years for at least next few years as their expansion allows them to produce good quality tires at lower costs. Also, Kum Ho’s reputation is increasing swiftly as more and more F1 machines are using their tires so people in overseas are very interested in and actually more and more people are willing to purchase Kum Ho. Therefore, I strongly believe that Kum Ho’s business expansion in overseas is very brilliant and will bring out a great result.
#20300576 - Entry 9

Virgin Media reduces losses

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Douglas Hamilton / The Herald / 09 May2008
© All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Summary

Virgin Media said yesterday it has cut its losses, added more customers and is on track for revenue growth after last year's bitter dispute with rival BSkyB.

The Hampshire-based cable company has reduced its monthly "churn rate" - the measure of customers dropping the group's service - to 1.2% during the first three months of 2008.

Virgin Media also added 4900 net new cable customers - its third successive quarter of customer growth despite the seasonally-quieter post-Christmas period.

The company said better billing systems and value for money had helped it retain more customers. Although cable revenues were 3% down to £618.2m year-on-year because of pricing competition, the decline slowed compared to previous quarters.

Opinion

Acccording to the article, Virgin Media said it has cut its losses by introducing better billig systems and value for money had helped it retain more customers. Although cable revenues were 3% down to £618.2m year-on-year because of pricing competition, the decline slowed compared to previous quarters.Especially, it is really hard for any company to reduce its monthly 'churn rate'; because, it is based on customers' change of mind. Therefore, this fact shows that customer responsiveness and value for money can make the change.

Student ID # 20500018
Entry # 10