BOC Week 9 Best Mission Statements in class

From Cotton to edgy synthetics. The mission of Calvin Klein X is to maintain the lead in the market that Calvin Klein Underwear established in 1982. Once utilitarian, X has transformed men’s underwear into an object of desire. X has combines cutting edge design, innovative fabrics, exceptional fit, overall quality to uphold and forever alter how men view and purchase men’s underwear. With iconic advertising X continues to evolve as the perfect choice for men who want sexy, fashionable, and comfortable underwear. X distinguishes the man who wears it from everyone else by giving them the updated sexy designer sensibility that is synonymous with quality and preserves the excellence of CKU.

(Leslie V)

This was the best! I enjoy the product. I enjoyed the mission statement. It really gave me an understanding of the product. I really think that it could use alittle comany knowledge to it or customer service information. What kind of excellence. The product makes me really want that for men that would definatly sell.

EOC: Week 10: What channels are you going to do to get your product noticed

"Few producers sell their goods directly to the final users. Instead, most use intermediaries to bring their products to market. They try to forge a marketing channel (or distribution channel)—a set of interdependent organizations that help make a product or service available for use or consumption by the consumer or business user." (Armstrong & Kotler, Marketing pg.311)

I would definatly say that it is very important to have a strong disturbution channel. Disturbution is a key factor, I would connect with other companies like fabreeze, glade, other scented products to cover a larger area of disturbution to other markets like laundry soap, hand soap, air freshners, and several other products that have household uses with fragrances. My fabric softner will need to have different disturbution channels that trigger washing clothes or doing your laundry in general. the trick is placement into the disturbution channels.

"Distribution channel decisions often involve long-term commitments to other firms. For example, companies such as Ford, HP, or McDonald’s can easily change their advertising, pricing, or promotion programs. They can scrap old products and introduce new ones as market tastes demand."  (Armstrong & Kotler, Marketing pg.311)

EOC WEEK 8: Disaster New Products

"A grocery store has 2000 new products every year."
"There are 3 products out of the 2000 that actually last for an average of about 5 years." (Frank Pinto)

Even though there are so many products produced not all are great ideas and stick with the consumer. That doesn't mean that not a single person may like the bad ideas, but you need enough people to like it to make it stick in the appropriate market. As a class we were instructed to come up with at least three bad ideas. A really great one I came up with is Tobacco flavored ice cream, by Marlboro. The flavor of a cigarette minus the cancer. Although as a comfort it could be great. Another idea I thought of that could be super disastrous is food scented hairspray, not such a good idea if your going on a picnic, you have a case of the ants!  ants on google images
Last but not least the electronic Rollerblades that power themselves. Put em' on and turn on! Away you go!This is not a great idea because it would be completely unsafe. How about stopping, is there a button?

WEEK 5 EOC Best and Worst Superbowl Commercials

My favorite Superbowl commercial was the CocaCola one with the animated characters. I really liked it but I wasn't sure what movie they were trying to represent, I thought it was Harry Potter, come to find out it wasn't. When pulling up the CocaCola ad I found that it was for a seige or heist.

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My least favorite pick for superbowl commercials would have to be the Dorito's commercials, although they did have one good one, here it is.

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Here is the one I didn't care so much for, it kind of grossed me out and I am not Homo-phobe.

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/B1yk85znbpY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

WEEK 2 EOC: Boston Consulting Group - Video Games

I cant believe this news I am astouned! I thought video games were always booming these days! I would have never thought that the margin could drop so much for something that is so popular. Can you imagine the hottest entertainment  not profitting?

 "Videogame salesplunged by a record 29% year over year." (The Wall Street Journal, online.wsj.com/article/SB124865158612682399)

 I just cant beleive it. I truley thought that video game sales were at an all time high for now and the future. I have had four XBox's and a Wii. I dont think it ever seems old to my boyfriend. He plays video games for hours at a time. He has a gaming group he joins with everynite online. I truley don't believe the market for gaming is doing so bad. Hell, we stop at Game Stop at least every other week. We even subscribe to Gamefly.

 SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--" Kongregate (www.kongregate.com), one of the leading free browser-based game sites with more than 13 million monthly unique visitors, today launched Kongregate Arcade, the world’s largest collection of free mobile games for Android using Adobe® Flash® Player. Kongregate Arcade blends a growing library of more than 300 games with player achievements, profiles and a robust navigation layer to create the most complete gaming experience on Android."

As stated FREE, this is overtaking the leaders in gaming. FREE Apps that allow you to play games on any phone and any computer. Simple yet silly fun games. Theres several styles and types of these free gaming apps available. Seems they have anything from Angry Birds to Connect Four! Everywhere I go I see people wondering on their phones, either playing games or networking. It's everywhere! The newest thing I would say is Nintendo DS, it offers easy games and for anyone!

I would have to say on the BCG scale video games are a big ? ! If cable T.V. could become interactive they too would be using apps. Apps are everywhere! I think if video games are offered in every sort of form more people would become addicted. Xbox, Playstation, and Wii, need to do more to attract all types of consumers.

"Instead, Microsoft decided that it may as well go as slow as the rest of the console folks, and it hasn't done anything now for six years. The original Xbox was shipped in 2001 and the follow-up Xbox 360 appeared in 2005—a four year upgrade pace. There should have been a new machine in 2009 at that rate. But there isn't even a hint of anything new." (www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2375916,00.asp)  

The statement that was mentioned about they should have come out with something in 2009, when I look back and think about it yes they should have. The only thing that bennefitted these consoles was the new games and they didnt really even benefit because the games sucked, so the games that were played were played out till the end. Now they just update these games, I don't think it will be enough!

WEEK 1 EOC: Great Customer Service

I Believe that customer service is one of the most important aspect in the business of marketing. "The aim of marketing is to create value from customers and to capture value from customers in return."(Marketing: An Introduction for Education Managment Corperation, 10th Edition, pg 1) You have to know what the customer wants in order to serve them time after time. Marketing is part of the customer service experience the marketing, essentially the marketing is what pulls the customer in to begin with.

If you were to define great customer service, I would have to say it hardly exists today. My best customer service experience would have to be at bars because I go to them alot and spend quit a bit, I feel thats probley why I happen to get good sevice only because I am a regular at these bars that I attend. Usaully I will get my drinks comped or free appetizers. When I bring guests I usually get free drinks. The more guests I bring the better it gets. Its kind of strange I find everywhere that I have become a regular, I get special treatment but again mainly bars. I am not sure if its because its easier to write off booze and food rather then clothing or a physical item that has more value. I am not sure why customer service isn't as important anymore, but I wish some place would raise their standerds.

EOC WEEK 10: Up In The Air

I loved this movie "Up In The Air"! This movie was funny and constructive. It gave you an idea of today's reality and the economy and on the other hand it was funny because people are fired everyday and there's just no nice way to put "your fired". I thought it was creative how George Clooney fires the guy and inspires him to have a new beginning. A better life for his children. When the reality of it is hes going to be searching for a job for the next few months or even years. I thought it was funny how the girl thought she knew what she was doing and then George showed her the real deal! I takes a lot to be able to turn a bad situation to good, especially when you are telling someone that aren't going to be receiving a paycheck anymore. I think some good skills Clooney used in the movie were, turning the tables from bad to good, pointing out the benefits, and just being realistic as well. This movie kind of reminds of "Thank You For Not Smoking"movie where he tries to enhance the idea of cigarette smoking. That movie illustrates the same idea, turning something bad to good. You kind of have to be a bullshitter to have that job. I have only been fired once but I knew it was coming because I got into a physical fight with somebody, so I wasn't saddened by my job loss. I am not sure what I would do if I really relied on my paycheck to support a family or a home and then I suddenly lost my job. I know I wouldn't want somebody telling how its going to be good for a change in my life, after I just lost my job.

WEEK 9 EOC : Personal Freedom vs Union Membership

What would you do if you wanted to work for a company and you had to join the union to get the job?

If I wanted to work for a company and had to join a union, I would have to research it first before I joined. I think some unions offer good benefits within the union if I found a opportunity I couldn't pass up I would probably join. I don't like the idea that its almost like a contract though.

If the union went on strike for something I didn't agree with I am not sure what I would do. Do you have to go through with the strike just because you are with the union? Other issues I would be concerned with if I had to BELONG to a check would be if I would for sure get paid or if they could keep my paycheck for some reason or another.

EOC WEEK 8 Sexual Harrasment

Sexual Harassment is a large problem that is hard to deal with. Sexual harassment is very tricky. I myself am dealing with a sexual harassment issue at my job currently. I work at a small mom and pop shop, and the owner is a male about the age 45+, married twice is on his third marriage and has a new born about 2 weeks old. Its very sad because his wife and newborn are adorable. I am friends with his wife's brother that's how I got the job. I don't mind the job so much its dealing with this owner that I cant stand. I want to take control of the situation at hand but the owner of the store knows too many people in town and it would be much more hassle and money then I have time for. I don't ever like picking up my pay because I feel he is always corning me and may refuse my pay if I do not play his games. Currently he talks about volger things like breasts and sex with me. I have told him several times I am not like that, its against my morals, what about his wife, etc, etc , etc! I cant stand it I have even offered him to only work 1 day a week just so I don't have to deal with him. The best bet for me at this point is to quit! I want to tell my friend his wife's brother but do not want to start any family issues as well. What do I do, I asked myself? I asked you a professor and you told me to quit my job. Unfortunately I need the money for a few more weeks so until then I have looked up "www.associatedcontent.com/article/63144/how_to_avoid_sexual_harassment_at_work.html" from Google and I am going to try some of these tactics. I am going to test some of these out. Also I have asked to go down to one day and I only work 2 days currently so then all I would worry about is that day and then picking up my pay.

WEEK 7 EOC Evaluate Experience

For this project I had my boss evaluate me. In this evaluation I have learned to take criticism a little better then I ever have. I found that I am a go getter, a leader, and I inspire! I stand out compared to most workers. This was all news for me!
I was caught by surprise that my supervisor explained to me that I seemed a little OCD, and nosey! I am often caught ease dropping. I am always asking too many questions. This surprised me because I didn't think anyone really noticed. I always want to know the inside juice.
I was some what prepared for this observation because I am always asking questions and have been called nosey before.
I wasn't able to evaluate other members for this project. Although I wasn't able to evaluate other members in the class I was able to do a somewhat of a fake evaluation with some co- workers. I personally evaluated the co-workers at my job Floor and Decor, and found that most of them are not qualified or are over qualified. There are a a handful of excellent workers at Floor and Decor. They stand aside from the obvious non- competent workers we have!
There are 2 people that really stand out in the company whom yes I would love to represent me, Don Eramo, and Kimberly Vixie. Both have been with the company for several years and dont not work there for the pay. They merely work there because they enjoy it.
The only way I think that you could improve this experience is to have the students do both in class and take it to their supervisor to be personally evaluated. This was a nice review for me at my job kind of put at a better understanding where I can improve and where I shine as an employee. Doing this activity encouraged my job to analyze things somewhat differently within the company. We now have utilized employee of the month because of this! How exciting!

WEEK 6 EOC STEPS IN JOB INSTRUCTION TRAINING

"The First step in any training program is to asses the need for training"(Managing Hospitality, pg. 190)


In the movie 9 to 5, the Consolidation company manager Mr. Hart didn't even evaluate if there was a training program offered nor even cared. Mr Hart was just interested in benefitting his personal physical pleasures at the job. The three woman implemented a new atmosphere, job share program, and daycare. Implementing the job share program was a great and easy way to cross train the new employees. Violet the Supervisor designed a program that benefitted the employees and the company. I believe she noticed what could be changed and took action. She assed that people would work more shifts if they were available. People would go to work if they had a day care for their children.

"Effective training programs do not create themselves"(Managing Hospitality, pg. 196) 
Mr. Hart didn't create or try to create any kind of training program within the new associate, he just yelled at her and told her to clean up her mess and that she was stupid. Had the new employee had proper training on the xerox machine she wouldn't have been belittled or have made such a mess. A simple job can be harder than someone thinks, but no job is impossible as long as you have instruction.

"Job rotation involves moving trainees from one job to another"(Managing Hospitality, pg. 205)

Moving Mr Hart to Judy's position would help him understand that she is human too. Learning the copy machine may be surprisingly hard for him as well! Just because he is higher up doesn't mean he can do everything. Violet knows everything there she should be training the employees and Mr Hart or anyone else whom advances within the company. Job rotation would help others learn and emphasize with one another on a business level of job skill.

WEEK 5 EOC: Stolen Valore

"In a 2-to-1 ruling, the appellate court said that if the law were held constitutional, many everyday lies could become criminal acts." (New York Times, Wednesday, November 3, 2010)

I cant imagine how out of control this could become. I also think that it is not fair to have someone lie on their application, think how out of control that could become if people can get away with lying for a job or college. When I was a G.M. I would look to see if they had any special acheivements, and or clubs and all of which can be lied about. I think it is the responsibility of the employer to follow up in reference to what they put on their application. When I hired if they put they were in a club or activity, I would ask them about the activity in detail. As someone should do in reference to being in the military, ask them questions. I mean we could perhaps have it be something that you can list if you can provide written documentation of it, but then the problem is what if that documentation is false as well. Now days anything is possible on the computer. I personally am not sure what the right answer is to this issue, because jail time for a harmless lie. Then I think about it and I imagine it no different then lying about a crime that may have been committed and not documented or lying about your name and social ect. This one is  tough!

EOC: WEEK 4 Bob Borich

What advice would you give Bob Borich? "Orientation should be followed by a period of close supervision" (Managing Hospitality Human Resources, pg 175" 

If Bob would have followed up with his plan of having other employees train I believe we would have had more success with the training of the new employees. Although he didn't have time to train a general follow up should have been utilized to assure proper procedures were taken.

How unique to think Bob Borich's situation is? "Employee Turnover in hospitality industry averages as much as 200 to 300 % per year." (Managing Hospitality Human Resources, pg 16)


Turnover rate is very high in today's society! Unfortunately Bob's situation is common. Businesses that are family owned or smaller tend to have this problem because there isn't enough money to have training programs and testing. I have noticed or experienced that when you start a job with a company that is struggling financially or smaller ma/pop operations there tends to be lack of training either because it costs money or it costs money! So generally you are thrown into a job duty or just expected to figure it out, which then makes it hard to be confident in asking questions, because you don't want to seem incompetent. Then that leads to quitting because the person may feel to overwhelmed. Or it could lead to that person being fired because they never had a chance to learn the job the right way. 

What types of orientation should be turned over to employee's ? "Unfortunately, many managers do not take orientation seriously." (Managing Hospitality Human Resources, pg 174) 

It all depends on the employees you have and how you have trained them. Also I would say that no orientation should turned over to employees if you want it done right from the beginning! I feel like that way there wouldn't be any questions as to what was learned, taught, or consumed while in orientation. Again it depends on the job, the employee, and what I want out of the employee!

WEEK 3 EOC: Culinary Survivers

"Bottoms up forecasting, this method of forecasting is intuitive; it is based solely on the experience of the managers."(Managing Hospitality Resources pg 90) 

 Bob Taylor's Ranch House seems to use bottoms up forecasting, in which its a smaller entity and they haven't used any other methods to overcome the economy let down. Seems almost like they are just living off of hope. If the restaurant looked into outside options such as upgraded menu's, promotions, or labor ideas, at least they would be able to see if they could achieve a stable business. Doesn't seem like the company has looked into any options. "If you don't know where you are going any road will take you there" (Managing Hospitality Resources pg 87)

"The human resource planning process involves anticipating an organizations business demands and providing the staff to meet these demands" (Managing Hospitality Resource pg 87) 

 Ferraro's company chooses to offer a promotion on the weekend tailoring to the events in the area, although this is somewhat beneficial, it can be a lost opportunity during the week. If they continue this it could lead to a business that will only be open Thursday to Sunday!

"The human resource planning process involves anticipating an organizations business demands and providing the staff to meet these demands." (Managing Hospitality Resources pg 87) 

Metro Pizza, has utilized focus groups of the younger generation. This allows metro to see new trends and business flow today. They have thought about the idea of using food trucks, which is a new way to establish customers, new and old! I think this company will grow into a chain!

 "A hospitality organization must function in real world settings where there are either too many or too few employees with skills to meed the needs of the business." (Managing Hospitality Resources pg 89)

 Bootlegger Bistro focuses on new food trends and has hired a nutritional person to add healthy items to their menu. While at the same time they utilize the 93 yr old woman that has worked with her own recipes for years, this keeps everything consistent on the regular menu items they continue to serve.

 

 

WEEK 2 EOC: Zippy Airline Catering

"Hospitality managers use a veriaty of forecasting methods to anticipate business levels, in turn, determine personnel levels." (Managing Hospitality Human Resources pg 79)

I believe the changes done at Zippy were not sufficient enough they needed to brainstorm their ideas. Instead of carrying hot foods why not just make cold food served. Or add microwaves and have prepackaged food and still serve warm. All of these ideas are currently taken place on airlines today. Plus adding a conveyor belt probably costed a lot.

"Managers must consider the time it takes to set up and or clean up after a shift." (Managing Hospitality Human Resources pg 76) 

Seems like they will need to train people to use this method and or there could be safety issues, company may need to increase their insurance for those around or using conveyor belt. Another factor is the set up or tare down of equipment or product used. Also instead of having one food item per person they could have each person do 2 or all then you would get double the work done. "After forecasting potential sales, amanager must determine how many employees are required to serve the estimated number of customers." (Managing Hospitality Human Resources pg 75)

Zippy should have brainstormed all options. I think they could have done more research and thought about labor cost and staffing.

Week 1 EOC: Old Timer Makes Waves

“Indicated is that Sally has had several change in managers, this not only causes confusion to associates, but also to the job the associates feel they are entitled to.” (Managing Hospitality, Pg 52)

Sally doesn't seem as if she is taking change well. The problem here consists of her getting new managers and not being adaptable to change. It may be an issue in the chain of command in which Sally may not benefit contacting upper management first because they may refer her to talk to the manager she has a problem with first. Most management is open door policy.

 “Indicates that Aging in the work force may become a problem with baby boomers.” (Managing Hospitality Pg. 35)
 This may be exactly what is happening to Sally in reference to her not keeping up with the times. Baby boomers are learning technology very slowly and the younger people are more fast and efficient because of new technology in today’s society. This generation is introduced to technology pretty much when we are born. Baby boomers didn’t even have technology. I think the baby boomer generation needs to step it up or they will lose their jobs. On the other hand the current generation needs to remember the old ways also! 

“Seniority rules are legal as long as others are not discriminated against.” (Managing Hospitality, Pg. 31)

I believe Sally has seniority at her job, but is being overlooked, because she isn’t relating to company change and new innovation. I think if she could adapt to change better then she could benefit from having seniority!

Week 1 EOC: My Voice

Create is my favorite word! I want to say I am a professional Creator! Ever since I was younger I have been creating, clothing, art, projects, everything. Creating can consist of anything! To create is using your imagination, your mind, and even your soul! If you cant create then your probably boring! I have been creative at everything I do. Everyday and every minute I am observing created things and recreating them in my mind, particularly with fashion and marketing. I have had an eye for style ever since I was little. I was able to pick out brands without even being aware of them, just by style and appearance, when I was 10 yrs. old. I worked in retail for 13yrs. I have been employed at various retailers such as, Ann Taylor, GAP, Victoria’s Secret, Express, Guess, and Marciano. I have a strong passion for fashion and a personality that exceeds any kind of customer service expectations. I hope to pursue a career within the fashion field whether it is in the business end or style end of fashion. If you like creativity and free spirit you’ll love me!