my IDEAL COMPANY

Starbucks now spends more on health care than it does on coffee beans.  They are putting people first. My ideal company would take an ethical and social stance similar to Starbucks, it would be a bistro/cafe, serving refined food and beverages. It would be trendy and attract a young, hip, and professional customer. My essay will explore the use of a utilitarian model of ethics as it relates to my ideal company.

I feel it is very important as a manager to demonstrate a commitment to the welfare and sustainability of the people, and the places that produce our products and services. A code of ethics is a good way to let your employees, suppliers, and customers know what the core beliefs of your business are. This is the code of ethics for my company.

Code of Ethics

1. Treat all co-workers, customers, suppliers and the environment with respect and dignity.
2. No illegal or unethical conduct on the part of directors, employees, or affiliates.
3. All health and safety regulations must be followed at all times.
4. Perform all duties with integrity and safely to provide the customer with quality products and services.

As a top level manager of this company, I will stress the importance of the code of ethics and make it a core value to all employees. Any employees found acting in a manner that is not in accordance to this code will be disciplined. It is also important that clear lines of communications exist so all employees can report any issues or concerns they have. 

It will be a priority for my company to find and work with local suppliers who share our values. Suppliers will also be held to our code of ethics. We will strive to use only sustainably raised and grown products to give our customers the best end product.

By taking a proactive approach to social, professional ,and individual ethics, I feel my company can provide products and services that our customers want, in a responsible manner. Our efforts to work with suppliers who share our commitment and values to social and environmental responsibility will ensure we have a positive effect on our community as a whole. 

"Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally" - David Frost

Forces and Competition

a look at MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT CO-OP


For this week's blog assignment, I have chosen to look at Mountain Equipment Co-op.  I've been to their retail location several times to purchase backpacks and other supplies. Their store is in a central location located in downtown Calgary which is quite convenient. 


The first thing I noticed when I entered their store is the wide selection of varied goods they have, from canoes to clothing, they have everything you need no matter what outdoor activity you want to embark in. 

MEC logo from www.mec.ca

MEC was started 40 years ago, by 6 climbing enthusiast who were unable to find the equipment they needed to climb locally. They decided to start a co-operative business where they could help other climbers and outdoor enthusiast get the goods they need. Today they have approximately 3 million members, all of whom bought a $5 share in the co-operative and 15 retail locations across Canada.


So what are the impacts of economic, technological, demographical, political, and global forces that affect MEC?


Well, MEC is a company that is very socially and environmentally responsible which can come with a price tag. Finding ethical sources for your goods is a time and resource consuming task. Ethically sourced products are also often more expensive to manufacture. In today's turbulent economy, consumers are looking for the best deal possible. However, MEC has done a great job of educating their customers and share holders of the importance of being socially responsible.


MEC has utilised technology in several different ways. They have always provided their customers with the most advanced products available and developed their own products to sell. They also utilize the internet and social media to market goods and inform people about their company.

MEC's key demographic is the outdoor enthusiast. Being that the company was started by like minded people, MEC really knows how to market themselves to their customers. This gives MEC an advantage with this demographic as they know what is important to them. With this knowledge they can focus on the products and services that matter most to their customers.


MEC has taken responsibility of ethically sourcing suppliers and distributors in the global market place that share the same political and social views. They have made it a priority to give back to the local communities and communities around the world.


By being socially, environmentally, and ethically conscious MEC has created loyalty among their target demographics. Having a very good understanding of what their customers need and value gives MEC an advantage over their competitors. Being a co-operative empowers their customers and creates brand loyalty that other retailers can not provide to this demographic. I feel MEC will continue to have a strong growth in the Canadian marketplace now and in the future.

MEC logo from www.mec.ca

Hello!

welcome to my blog

This blog will mostly be a blue collar perspective on Contemporary Management, which is a course I am currently taking at SAIT Polytechnic. Feel free to comment and give me some feedback.