MBA Business Studies: Case 4

Redbox (Group 4: Terri Garfoot, Jeremy Moritz, Kellon Whitley, & Josh Wooden ) 

Redbox is the latest movie rental option for consumers which originally started in McDonald’s.  In 2009 Coinstar, Inc. purchased all rights of Redbox from McDonalds and currently has more than 31,800 kiosks nationwide with approximately 500 DVDs in each kiosk.  Instead of going into a typical Blockbuster, consumers can rent a movie at any time of the day at the nearest Redbox kiosk for only $1 per movie per day without a monthly subscription.  Redbox also offers online viewing of movies available at the nearest kiosk and allows the consumer to hold movies.

Technology
The distributing mechanism works exactly like a vending machine but uses a credit/debit card instead of coins.  Although the kiosk itself is nothing revolutionary, the technology to maintain the kiosks is sophisticated.  Every Redbox is connected to a single information database via internet DSL or a cellular modem where it collects, sends, and stores the data it gathers.  Using that data, management can determine how to most effectively and efficiently stock the specific kiosk.  IT also plays an essential role in maintaining the kiosks.  Field Agents are deployed to kiosks for maintenance if necessary; however, Redbox is equipped with technology to solve simple, routine problems when they arise.  For example, the agent can use his/her laptop computer to manipulate the mechanism holding DVDs in place to try to release stuck DVDs.

MBA Business Studies: Case 3

Electronic Medical Records (Group 3: Derek Blackmore, Joel Groeneveld, Tiffany Feller, & Ellen Skorpinski ) 

Paper-based medical records have been in use for centuries. However, recently there has been a major shift in the United States and other developing nations to implement computer-based medical records. These computer-based models, called electronic medical records (EMRs), are similar to a patient’s normal paper charts, but are electronic and can be viewed at any hospital that has a compatible system. The advent and use of EMRs will ultimately affect every American that receives medical care in this country because their medical records will now be electronic and can more easily be shared between a patient’s doctors and hospitals.

EMR software programs allow for medical professionals to review a patient’s medical records in one bookmarked page. The medical professional can see the patient’s prescriptions, past checkups from all medical fields, lab results, physical therapy instructions, and even X-rays and MRIs. Having all of this information in one area enables the medical professional to give the patient the best possible care. EMRs not only improve patient care, but also to lower costs. EMR technology provides fail-safes and protections to healthcare providers with respect to drug interactions as well as eliminating unnecessary tests and procedures. Customization reduces upfront costs because providers or organizations only need to invest in the infrastructure that relates to the service(s) they provide.

MBA Business Studies: Case 2

Cloud Computing (Christina Moore, Michael Peabody, Brianne Malliet, & Darren Malliet ) 

Organizations are increasing their reliance on state-of-the-art technologies to help them gain competitive advantage and drive towards success.  One such technology is cloud computing. Before implementing a new technology such as cloud computing an organization needs to identify what it is, how it will benefit them strategically, and any challenges that may arise along with how to overcome them.  The organization should also consider any ethical, legal, social, and global issues. This report has provided an in depth review of cloud computing technology and its possible impact on today’s organizations.

Cloud computing refers to a model of computing where firms and individuals obtain computing power and software applications over the internet, rather than purchasing their own hardware and software. This model can provide many competitive advantages that could help position a firm to better withstand external competitive forces in its environment. One good example of a firm using cloud computing to its advantage is Siemens. This global company implemented a cloud based CRM system that helped them to better fend off external forces including new market entrants, substitute products, customer, and supplier power.

MBA Business Studies: Case 1

Social Vending Machines (Brian Gottschalk, Jamie Jakubowski, Steven Manne, & Stephanie Mohan) 

At the NAMA One Show in Chicago this past April, PepsiCo introduced a new technology that they have been designing called the social vending machine.  The concept behind PepsiCo’s social vending machine is to combine social media technology with a traditional vending machine.  This new version of the vending machine offers an interactive touch screen that allows users to interact with other customers as well as give back to the local community.  The social vending machine is an interactive technology that has been created to build relationships between the corporate world and the consumer.  It offers PepsiCo a way to attract buyers to their brand and give these consumers a chance to get to know their products in a non-traditional way.  The PepsiCo social vending machine is an innovative and unique idea for the organization to use to gain a competitive advantage over its competitors.

PepsiCo’s social vending machines will be both similar and unique in comparison to other vending machines, as they will have similar sizes and shapes to current models, but will also incorporate a touch screen and a variety of interactive options.  These social vending machines will offer the consumer a range of menu choices to choose from such as buying a drink, gifting a drink/redeeming a gift, and connecting with the local community through Pepsi’s Refresh Project.  When gifting a drink to another party, consumers have the option to record a short video to send to the receiver and once the transaction is complete, the receiver of the gift will be sent a text message or email notifying them that they can redeem their gift.  In addition, PepsiCo has now started offering product nutrition information upon request prior to the product being purchased for those health conscience consumers.  With this new interactive social media technology, Pepsi is hoping to gain more market share and stay a major competitor in their industry.

10 Programming Languages You Should Learn Right Now

Among thousands, 10 programming languages stand out for their job marketability and wide use. If you're looking to boost your career or learn something new, start here.

Knowing a handful of programming languages is seen by many as a harbor in a job market storm, solid skills that will be marketable as long as the languages are.

Yet, there is beauty in numbers. While there may be developers who have had riches heaped on them by knowing the right programming language at the right time in the right place, most longtime coders will tell you that periodically learning a new language is an essential part of being a good and successful Web developer.