Bitcoin: Is it Safe?

UNIT 2


     In it's first few months, Bitcoin's share climbed from $15 each to $179 each bringing the company valuation to 2 billion dollars. Bitcoin is one of the hottest investments there is right now, but some say it won't last. Something that climbs so quickly is prone to a crash. This being said, even if it does crash, Bitcoins popularity may live on through other services just as Napster lived on through a legal music downloading site by the same name. Bitcoin's shady nature is a turn away for many. It was created by a hacker or group of hackers in 2009 who mysteriously disappeared form the internet in 2010. Libertarians are in love with the currency as it is free of government control but given the nature of those behind the project, so much could go wrong. Bitcoin is extremely popular but I'd recommend holding off on investing in Bitcoin until it's seen more time on the market. Businesses with less than legitimate pasts often behave unexpectedly.

Why You Should Invest in Africa

UNIT 1    

Historically, Africa has not been looked at as a continent with much to ffer the world of legitimate, humane business. Much of Africa is poor and undeveloped. but studies say that many countries across Africa are starting to move away from poverty. The Sub-Saharan GDP is up an average of 5% with main markets in countries like Kenya and Nigeria expanding by over 50%. It is thought that by 2020, more than half of all African households will have some degree of expendable income. what Africa lacks, however is capital. Something an enterprising investor can afford to supply. Deals are typically easier in african markets and less formal. Africa is growing fast and needs capital.

  
     An investment in Africa is a smart choice for most of the reasons listed above. Africa needs capital, and investors have a high chance of return on investment. You can even feel good abotu yourself knowing that you've supported the development of a traditionally impoverished country. However investment in African business should be done carefully. Many businesses in Africa depend on commodity prices, which are sometimes unstable. Diamonds in Africa can create much corruption in large businesses, something investors want to stay away from. This isn't to say that one should avoid investment but one should definitely be wary of where one puts their money.

Tictail: Innovation

UNIT 2
 

   E-business is growing fast, but some business owners who lack the knowledge of programming or the money to hire someone with a knowledge of programming may have difficulty embracing online business. That's where Swedish start-up company, Tictail aims to help. Tictail is a free, simple utility created by 26-year-old Carl Waldekranz. Tictail allows entrepreneurs to set up an online shop through which to sell their wares easily and quickly. With significant funding and solid footholds in both Sweden and North america, Tictail has already attracted 10,000 users and a 75% recommendation rate. Tictail is impressive and has strong propects, but it isn't entirely unique. It isn't the first site of it's kind and that may work against it. There are a few innovations on the model such as a "feed" that acts as an adviser as well as offering shop owners the ability to dole out discounts to shoppers, a service Tictail will charge shop owners for.

The fresh-faced Tictail Team

     
     While Tictail seems to do what they do very well, they aren't the only people who do it. In the tech business, that's dangerous. If you have an idea make sure it's either unique or superior enough to it's competition to stand out. Tictail cannot claim the former and, as time will tell, possibly not the latter either. Tictail's team is very young and lacks business experience. So many young faces is great to see in a business but it's also a risk. Lacking a team member who knows the industry through years of experience could hurt Tictail in the long run. Tictail was also recently given 1.2 million dollars in funding to get their operation running. One cna only hope they manage such a large sum of money wisely.

Google Glass: Invention

UNIT 2

For the several years, mobile technology hasn't seen much change. Minor storage and software improvements have occurred but when it comes down to it, most smartphones are, and have been for years, rectangular minimalist looking, touch screen-based devices. Google has changed this with their new product, Glass. As you can see in the picture, Glass is a pair of "glasses" the user can wear that posses a small screen overlaid on the wearer's right eye. Google glass will operate apps, make video calls, give directions, and do most other things a smartphone can do. Google glass has tech specs comparable to a mid-range smartphone.  Controversy surrounds the device as some establishment such as casinos and strip clubs have already formally banned usage of Glass within their establishments but Google has asked wearers to be conscious of their usages just as they would with a cell phone. Glass will run applications, but no advertisements will be allowed according to Google. At least for now.

Glass has the unique position of being one of the biggest innovations in mobile devices since the iPhone in recent years. Google has taken a risk in putting out such an expensive device (MSRP: $1500) but the market demand certainly seems to be there for those who know about it. where Google has gone wrong to some extent here is their promotion of Google Glass. Or, more accurately, the lack thereof. Yes, there are ads, no, they are not well circulated. Google has not reserved TV commercials  billboards, internet ads, or any other form of marketing aside from two YouTube videos and word of mouth. Google has never particularly needed to advertise themselves before and their relative inexperience in the retail business shows here. A website can get by on this strategy. A mobile device, especially such an expensive one, needs more hype than Glass is getting.

KFC Flops in China: Poor Quality Control

UNIT 3    

 The Yum! Brands owned Kentucky Fried Chicken has experienced difficulties in China this past January with sales dropping by a full 41%. This news comes following a Chinese media expose on one of KFC's Chinese suppliers. Chinese Investigators found that chickens coming from KFC's Chinese suppliers are stuffed with excessive quantities of Antibiotics. With 889 stores in China, this sales drop is a serious dent in Yum! Brands' profits. Chinese customers are much more easily moved to avoid unhealthy foods and are more motivated to stop eating at an establishment while their personal health may be at risk. Yum! Brands has stated that they will not be leaving the market but that they do not know how long they will take to recover.

     Yum! Brands has made a critical mistake in their expansion into the Chinese market. Culturally, the Chinese are significantly more health-conscious and less trusting of overseas brands. Yum! expanded into China without adequately ensuring the quality control of their suppliers. Scandal is common with KFC in America, however in America, scandal is significantly less damaging. When moving into a new market, a company should always ensure they are creating a positive first impression. Before a brand is solidified within a new market, scandal can be truly destructive.