"And they all lived happily ever after... The End"

Final Examination

      When I decided to add this class to my schedule as an elective, Dr. Kachurick asked if I had taken any prerequisites into the course, such as Money and Banking, etc. I have not because I specialize in Marketing, but I remember thinking, “how hard can it be?” Well, needless to say, I was very intimidated at the start of the semester when everyone had knowledgeable input into discussion, except for me. In order to keep up, I would write down everything and take notes of what people said, then memorize the facts and analyze different points of view.

      To say this class was intellectually stimulating would be an understatement because it took a lot of analyzing to create in-depth points of view. Looking back, I am far advanced beyond the mindset and knowledge that I had upon entering this class. I believe class discussions, article topics, and the impact the class had on me, contributed to my success in this course.

Class discussions:

      I believe class discussion is the best way to learn because you provide your own input and opinions, as well as analyze everyone else’s point of view. As a whole, I can honestly say, I saw the class improve week by week. I’ll admit, in the beginning I always thought Ryan was so smart. This is probably because he enjoys politics more than myself. Although we never shared the same points of view, I admired his initiative to voice his opinions. Wendy also impressed me from the beginning, because she was one of the only girls that voiced her opinions, and I looked up to her for that. For instance, I now know that she is very environmentally-conscious (such as our talks about recycling and the Greening of Death). Also, I felt that the two of us brought an emotional aspect into discussions compared to the gentlemen. For instance, we took the side of the poor and middle-class during our debates about tax cuts. It seemed the gentlemen didn’t want to tax the rich anymore, but Wendy and I thought that was absurd. Looking back, we were a little more compassionate towards individuals, than the men, during the majority of discussions.

      Finally, I can say I noticed a difference between two other students in class. Pat started to think before he belted out some obnoxious statement and ceased to flip-flop his opinions. I think he became more professional in the way he speaks and carries himself, compared to the beginning of the semester. The second person that I thought improved was Jon, because he started providing more input into discussion as classes went on. Also, I was very impressed with his choices of articles that he presented. (The first one was about solar panels and the second was about running the internet through the city.) These articles seemed challenging to me, compared to the one I did about Twitter. That is why I was so impressed because I didn’t expect that from him, suit and all. It’s challenging to reflect on the class, but I think we all noticed major improvement in ourselves by the end of the year.

Article topics:

      My favorite topics that we discussed were the articles about economics and the articles about well-known companies, such as Google and Twitter.

Economics:

      I think I enjoyed these discussions the most because I learned so many things that I never knew. For instance, I had no idea that our nation’s banks were bailed out. Although I’m embarrassed to admit that, I’ve learned about it, compared it to Europe’s crisis, and formed my own opinions about it. It’s the bank’s fault and the government should not step in. If every company failed, does the government step in? No. In which case, we need to bail out the little guy. It would be less expensive and I think banks take advantage of the system. The second topic that we discussed a great deal was immigration. I am a very stereotypical person but never formed a full opinion about it until we discussed it various times. In my opinion, immigrants are taking advantage of our opportunistic country. They do not pay taxes, and we have nowhere to send them once they are found out. What’s the point of having Border Control at all? Many people claim we can use immigrants for low-paying jobs that American’s do not want to do. My solution is having the people on welfare work for their benefits. The government is too soft and allows citizens to take advantage of them! Then we wouldn’t need immigrants to do the dirty jobs! Unless these immigrants legalize themselves and get an education, I am not okay with them. Once again, I am very stereotypical and that has not changed during the course of this class.

Companies:

      I enjoyed articles like these because it was fun to compare businesses to one another and discuss their business strategies. For instance, as a Netflix customer, Dr. Kachurick was angry when the company split into two entities. I do not understand why they needed to change, or why they ruined their brand recognition by renaming the other part “Flixster.” In all, these class discussions were one of my favorite because I loved analyzing whether a company’s new, or current, business strategies would work.

Class impact on myself:

      I believe this class was beneficial to me, both academically and professionally. This class provided me with the resources (subscription to Businessweek and an experienced professor) needed to advance my education by exploring current issues and trends in business. I now have the ability to critically analyze any concept that I come across in life. Also, the way Dr. Kachurick handled this class impacted my professionalism. As a college student, I can say that sweatpants were my best friend.  Now I actually want to dress business casual for all upcoming classes next semester. Dr. Kachurick put us on a pedestal above all other students; when you feel professional, it is true that you act professional. (Also, I have tied back my hair for every presentation since the day I led in-class discussion and Dr. Kachurick told me that touching my hair is distracting.) Finally, little things like ‘not generalizing,’ and explaining over and over that a company is an ‘it’ not ‘they,’ are small factors that will lead me to professional success. After the horror stories I shared in the beginning of the year, this class actually turned out to be my favorite this semester. I felt that the class built a relationship and became comfortable with each other; therefore, our experiences together were substantially significant to the knowledge we gained.

Dirrrrty Jobs!

Karen presented the article about Why Americans Won't Do Dirty Jobs. At first, the article didn't attract my attention because it's not a personal issue, nor do I believe it's an issue in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The problem stems from jobs that Americans do not want to do, I believe, because Americans are greedy and lazy. Although I do believe that some of the wages the article explains are ridiculously low, I think that someone of that level has to work for it. My first thought about the article was "Why don't the people receiving welfare do the unwanted jobs?" This may be the best idea since our nation is having a problem with employers hiring illegal immigrants in order to pay them the lowest wages. If we sent the prisoners, or people receiving government aid, to do these jobs in order to receive their benefits, it would have more advantages than not. First, the immigration rate may go down since there will be less opportunities of employment in the United States. Second, the number of people receiving welfare would decrease because they would actually have to work for their benefits. I think this is, by far, the best idea I have ever had. Also, we can look deeper by decreased welfare cutting spending in order to assist our country's hedge.

We also had a quick discussion about inequality in America and the right to vote. I thought, "Does my vote actually count?" I think the biggest concern I have is that I can vote for the President, but it's the Electoral College that actually decides the President. I don't really understand it and I think it turns many people away from voting because they don't believe their vote will change anything. Maybe if we changed the ballot or voting procedures then our population would be more comfortable with choosing our nation's leaders. I understand that it's in my generation's hands to change our nation and voice our opinions, but the government judicial, legislative, and executive systems are so corrupt. I believe this is because some of the same people have been in office for decades; everyone is grandfathered in--it's not what you know, it's who you know. We need new people with new opinions and desire to improve our country. My generation cares because my generation has to live it for the next 50 years, so let's get some new faces!

Natural Gas, Immigration, and Death

Natural gas was a main discussion in class, and continues to be a main discussion in our economy. The finding of the Marcellus Shale, which lies partly in Pennsylvania, is the reason so many gas-drilling and energy companies are moving in on our territory. The question still remains whether to trust these companies or not? Personally, I see the good in them and discussion didn't really change my thinking. I live in a rural area of farmland and woods, and my neighbor town, Benton/Orangeville, has felt the impact of gas-drilling. Although people get paid an incredible amount of money, it could be harmful in a number of ways. Digging into the ground and disturbing the under-layers can cause pollution in drinking wells, and fracking can damage our environment. A few people in class had mentioned that they knew people, who agreed to gas-drilling, that could light their water on fire! Plus, no one knows the long-term affects of being exposed to gas-drilling either. All of these ideas were brought up and truth is, anything could have a negative effect on the environment! I'm sure an airplane isn't environmentally-friendly, but people still use those to take luxurious vacations. Gas is a natural resource that is essential to our economy! In my opinion, do what you have to do!


Rachel led discussion about Chinese Immigration in Italy. This is very strange to me, because I can't imagine why the Chinese would choose Italy as their migrant country. Why don't they expand into other Asian countries, such as Korea or Malaysia? The class quickly changed my thinking on this proposal, because it's true that Asian countries do not like to be associated/mixed with one another. This immigration doesn't affect me personally, but I could only imagine what it would be like to finally travel to Italy one day. I would be very confused if everything was written in Chinese and if there were Chinese restaurants and Chinese symbols on the streets. Because Italy is very culture-oriented, I can't help but picture Italy with cobble stone sidewalks, fountains, and statues. I think from a tourism standpoint this could hurt their economy. All in all, I don't think the Chinese belong in Italy because they are complete opposite cultures.

Wendy led discussion about green funerals. I understand this "movement" provides consumers with more alternatives to burial and funerals, but I don't like this idea. Personally, I would go the old-fashioned way. Moreover, I believe many people today would choose the old-fashioned way because it's what they're used to. (Although, this may be attractive to some; I know a lot of people who are Vegan or environmentalists and would probably consider an environmentally-friendly funeral.) All in all, I think this idea could definitely catch on, just like the idea of solar panels. Consumers are just waiting for a definite "this really works!" Once consumers see other people doing something, it eventually catches on like a trend. Finally, from a business stand-point, I can congratulate the business leaders that opened their companies to this untapped market.

Penn State.

When news broke that legend, Joe Paterno, was fired effective immediately from Penn State's Football staff, it broke a lot of hearts, including mine. I have never been a huge Penn State fan, but I love attending football games and have friends and family that attend Penn State. It's incredible that I even felt the hit of the news. I think it was mainly because I felt bad for him. I mean, by saying that he was a legend, and the face of Penn State, is even an understatement to the impact he has had on the Penn State community and associates. The fact that they made a quick decision within three days and wouldn't even let him attend the last home game was astounding to me! I wanted to cry. This makes me wonder if there are things that the public still doesn't know? Or if the Board wanted to preserve the image of Penn State and decided the best way was to implement their crisis management plan? Either way, they knew they were going to shake up the whole community.

After a few days of discussing this topic in classes, and with family and friends, I think the situation is finally calmed for the most part. Now that they are investigating, the public is just waiting to hear what is next.

I think firing Joe Pa was lawful, but not ethical. A lot of people argue that if it was anyone else, the situation would be different. But we should all agree that he deserved a little more than a phone call. I think the biggest problem was the image of Penn State in a crisis like this. The amount of people that this has affected (current students, fans, prospective students, alumni, stakeholders, etc.) is immeasurable.

Our discussion in class related to the ethics of the matter, not the lawfulness. I think the graduate assistant had no excuse for handling the matter the way he did. I think his career and alterior motives got in the way of the safety of a young child, and the safety of the University at large. He was very unethical! With that, Joe Paterno did what he was supposed to do but didn't investigate it furthur, that is unethical! I think they were afraid of what would happen because they had so much responsibility. But now we can see that pushing it under the rug made it one thousand time worse!

More on Taxes Ahead...

The biggest issue in our country is solving our debt, and I feel like our class has been there every step of the way! We had discussed "Rick Perry's Not-So-Flat Tax Plan" which is another proposal to pay our nation's debt. I did not know much about this tax plan until I had read the article and, once we discussed it in class, I completely disagree with it. At first, I thought everyone in the class had supported it, but after looking into the details, I was surprised that anything like this had a possibility of being passed! First, this tax plan separates the rich and poor by hitting the poor harder and the rich actually end up paying less. I am a believer that the rich should pay more than anyone, because from an economic standpoint, they typically use more of the country's infrastructure than anyone! Second, I think it's ridiculous that the rich would be paying LESS than past years, because how will this solve the debt problem?? The poor will be the ones to pick up the slack when they are struggling to put food on the table for their families. I am all for the rich being taxed the most!!And I'm happy that this tax-proposal was not passed!

I was the first one to present an article and I'm very happy with how it went. When I first saw the Twitter article, it caught my eye because I saw so much more than the simple fascination of Amy Jo Martin being a Twitter coach. I had a field day tearing this article apart, and loved getting opinions from the class. Personally, I do not have a Twitter. I understand the simplistic, innovative social media network and can see why everyone is obsessed, but I grew up with 5 channels and still do not own a smart phone. (I am very opinionated of people who never look up from their cell phones or computers). But anyway, I thought the class had a lot of input to all of my questions, especially the males because they are more into athletes. I believe they now understand the severity of what their favorite athletes post because they are icons. Also, I feel as though they will stop looking at Twitter as a personal social media network and more as a marketing tool for our companies.

Sports in Business!

The Green Bay Packers have recently become a legacy in football. I feel this is because they overcame their "under-dog" label after winning the 2011 Super Bowl. I enjoyed the article, not because I'm a sports buff, but because I'm from a small town, too. It's not Pittsburgh or Miami, it's Lambeau. I think their small town, "for the fans" persona compliments their accomplishments in the NFL. It's almost like their fans come first, but I think that should be the case for any team, league, performer, etc. Without the devoted fans, these people are nothing. The NFL would be nothing if millions of people didn't tune into the Sunday night game. That's just the way I feel.

This article made me think of my experience with the Philadelphia Phillies. I took a tour of the NEW stadium in 2008 (before they won the World Series). Everything the tour guide ended with "for the fans." I was surprised to hear the most expensive ticket price was $84!!! This relates to that "hometown" feeling that all the fans in Lambeau have. Whether or not they don't pay out to shareholders, they shouldn't have to if that's what their NFL rules state. I believe if you become part of the Green Bay Packers, you're okay with not getting "paid back," you're just happy to be part of the legacy!

On the other hand, Manchester United is doing anything but "keeping it hometown." It's no wonder this team is a global giant. Why? They are the best team of the most popular sport in the world. I don't believe soccer is as popular in the United States as in other countries around the world, but everyone in our country has at least heard of Manchester United. Even I have so that's surprising. This article gave me a new appreciation for the sport. I was surprised of the fact that no NFL teams can have advertisements on their jerseys, but soccer jerseys can ONLY have advertisements. It's no wonder why every company wants to be a part of Manchester United, because they are the best way to market. They are well-respected and worldly. It's also good to hear that the team takes pride in their sponsors, too, by creating relationships and preserving that connection.

Ethical or Unethical?

One article that really affected me during Thursday's discussion about New York legalizing gay marriage. It wasn't unethical for them to pass the law just because they will make money from it. I think that's a ridiculous statement. First of all, I don't think gays or lesbians would care if it was ethical or not, because they are just happy to finally have a chance for equality. Second, I think New York legalized same-sex marriages because it's just one more step New York could take to prove their leadership in business innovations in the country. THEN they were like, "Oh, this new market will make us money." The fact that they're doing it to make an extra couple hundred million is absurd. That amount is pocket change! Personally, I am all for same-sex marriages in any state of our country. I have a gay cousin who is over 30 but is so successful in his job and has the best of everything. I'm proud to support them. Maybe this is why my views and ideas are so strong on this topic.

As for Herman Cain's 9-9-9 tax-- I wasn't sure what this was when we had discussed it a few weeks ago. I enjoyed the Businessweek article about it, but I don't support it. I think they're asking for too much in American's tax-dollars, especially the poor. A lower-income family would be most affected and I'm a firm believer that we should target the wealthy. If they're so successful, they can stop buying $250,000 cars for their 16-year old kids and put their money back into the economy.. because in most cases, consumers are why they are successful in the first place!!