amals's Profile

This is fascinating – I had no idea Rebecca Minkoff was doing this! I wonder if this digital store concept will help the brand compete better with its competitors in the brick and mortar space, but not have much of an impact on its online rivals? While the experience definitely sounds interesting, it still requires customers to physically be present in-store, which is the biggest consumption friction point taken away by online shopping websites and applications. As others have commented above, this would probably be even more of an issue if brick and mortar competitors begin introducing similar concepts into their own stores. Additionally, I would imagine this technology is expensive to install and maintain, which presents issues with scaling. I’m certainly eager to see how this all plays out! In the meantime, will be stopping by a Rebecca Minkoff store the next time I’m in New York!

Interesting post! The move towards digital content is very real and palatable for a variety of reasons. With this shift, I wonder about the impact of having students spend even more time using screens – in terms of detrimental impacts on eyesight, as well as the increased scope for distractions? I’m also curious as to whether there are infrastructure limitations that will impede the proliferation of digital content into classrooms. Do schools whose students’ families would welcome the cost savings the most have the wifi capabilities and IT support staff to allow the online platforms to work smoothly?

This is a really interesting product! I’m curious about how the legal issues would work – what if the player wearing the device has consented, but the other players visible on the device have not? Would this be a potential issue should competitors enter the space and players be sponsored by different companies? Another angle that might be interesting to explore is partnerships with gaming console/VR companies? Given the decline in viewership for traditional sporting channels, maybe the technology here could be gamified and command higher prices through features that sync with Xbox/PlayStation/Wii etc?

Great post! I thought your ideas around syncing CPD’s strategy/structure around technology and improving the HBS platforms we use particularly appealing. I wonder if a basic coding class could be added to the RC curriculum to reflect the importance of technology in business? Similarly, I wonder if credit/some sort of prize could be awarded to students who can creatively improve the platforms we use? Given the plethora of tech talent at HBS, I’m sure our classmates could help figure out interesting solutions.

Thanks for the post – Airbnb is certainly an interesting company that is has disrupted the hospitality industry. While I can certainly see the appeal of augmenting concierge service offerings, I’m not sure having the host stay is the best idea. At most Airbnbs I’ve stayed at across the world, the hosts already send/leave you transport instructions, local attraction information, discount coupons, restaurant recommendations, and tour company contact details. They also tend to leave their phone numbers and are happy to answer questions should you have them. This makes me wonder how much your proposal would add to the experience. One of the more appealing selling points of Airbnbs also seems to be the ability to book a whole home for your group, so I’m wondering how customers would react to the loss of privacy associated with having the host stay at the same time as you (same building, different apartment might correct for this). My last concern would be the price: I’m curious as to how much of consumers’ decision to stay at an Airbnb is driven by its currently cheaper price, and consequently how that decision might change if the prices increased as per your suggestion? Maybe having the option of adding a few short tours with your host is another option to consider?

Interesting and well-researched post! I agree that Nike is a leader in its sustainability efforts. One powerful aspect of these efforts that I found striking is its advocacy efforts, which I would consider in addition to the ones you’ve laid out above. In 2009, for example, Nike quit its Board position on the Chamber of Commerce in protest of the group’s resistance to climate change legislation. Companies have a lot of power they can use to take a stand, and I was struck by Nike’s willingness to use it in this instance.

http://www.politico.com/story/2009/09/nike-to-quit-chamber-post-027739

I really enjoyed your post, Eugeiu. Banks do have unparalleled reach across the economy through the breadth of their financing activities and could use this to significantly bolster actions to combat climate change. While I appreciate Bank of America’s (and other’s) efforts to ramp up their investments in more sustainable energy sources, I think this should be accompanied by a reduction in fossil fuel-related investments. Bank of America is among many banks that have come out with limits on their coal-related investments specifically, but they could increase their impact by applying the same reductions to other similarly harmful energy sources like deep-sea drilling.

http://www.ibtimes.com/big-banks-betting-against-climate-change-policies-spending-billions-fossil-fuel-2381971

Internet companies are interesting to consider from a climate change perspective. I agree with the points you’ve laid out around improvements to data centers, but think there are other places Facebook could look when addressing its environmental impacts. Google’s efforts could be a useful template – beyond increasing the efficiency of their data centers, the company recycles all the electronic equipment that leaves them. It also considers the environment in the construction and maintenance of its campus – through commuter programs, sustainable food service, and waste control. I’m not sure if Facebook has implemented similar initiatives, but perhaps they could consider it if not.

https://www.google.com/green/efficiency/

You chose to look at a really interesting industry, which I really appreciate. The waste created by the short timeline of film projects definitely sets the industry up for unfavorable environmental impacts. Actions can definitely be taken to mitigate that, though – films such as The Day After Tomorrow and Syriana have recognized this and contracted environmental organizations to help make the production of their movies carbon neutral, for example. Similarly, The Matrix crew worked with an organization to re-purpose the material it used in creating its sets, putting the recycled material to good use – such as for housing for low-income families in Mexico. One other factor to consider is the reach of the film industry. Given the vast audiences movies reach, the industry could incorporate climate change/environmentally friendly habits into the content it produces – consequently harnessing this power for good.

http://www.environment.ucla.edu/reportcard/article1361.html

Thanks for the post – it was interesting to read about GM’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact by considering its internal operations, those of its suppliers, and your suggestions on consumer education. Another avenue I think GM is using is advocacy work. Along with other food companies, it has signed the Climate Declaration, is a member of Ceres’ Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy (BICEP), and is working to convince lawmakers to act on the climate change issue. Given GM’s size and that of the industry, these initiatives could prove to be powerful in spurring governmental responses. One other thing to note is that GM took a leadership position in its policies around climate change, eliciting responses from competitors such as Kellogg’s.

http://www.environmentalleader.com/2015/10/05/food-giants-urge-climate-change-action/
https://www.oxfamamerica.org/press/general-mills-takes-bold-stand-for-climate-action/