Detailed article on Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship

http://www.ssireview.org/articles/entry/social_entrepreneurship_the_case_for_definition/

This article was great and really gives a detailed examination of what social innovation can create and produce. It also gives examples of people who have done these things such as Steve Jobs (Apple) and Steve Wozniak. Entrepreneurial context is described as the starting point for an entrepreneur. In the case of Steve Jobs it was enhancing the worlds computer system and aspiring to have a PC in each household. The article also describes in great details some of the characteristics that many Entrepreneurs in today's world have. Some include Inspiration, creativity, and courage. This make sense because you must have the courage to deal with the possibility that your product or inspired dream may not come the first time you try but after hard work and determination one can reach any goal. The article also goes into great detail about the shift form a regualr entrepreneur to a social entrepreneur and the gray line in the middle. It is a great read and think it has alot of information on topics we have discussed in class regularly over this semester. Hope you enjoy.

Angel Macias

recession brings new fuels

Are you tired about paying for you gas? well maybe next time you should try and getting it your closest pond. shocked... well according to scientist and business people around the United States algae, that green scum that grows in your Fishbowl and ponds could provide us with oil in a near future. Algae produces and oily compound after photosynthesis so the idea is that if you grow enough algae you can obtain a sustainable biofuel. So far is in a research state, but there is many entrepreneurs betting on it.

If you want to know more click here

Gas to Likely Stay Relatively Cheap this Summer!

Finally, some good news! Does anyone remember how much was gas last year during the summer? Well, in case you don't, it was close to $4/gallon. I don't know about everyone else, but as for me it was truly painful each time I had to go to the gas station. It got to the point that every time I had to fill up my tank it was close to $70. As a college student, I'm not able to afford that amount of money every week just for gas. A new report posted on an MSNBC article, stated that gas would likely stay relatively cheap this summer, averaging $2.23/gallon. That is certainly good news for all of those who are planning to have a road trip and drive to their vacation spots this summer. For more information and details, read the following article:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30212492/

Mexican Cars Manufacturing Demand

The auto industry in Mexico fell by 41% during the first quarter of 2009 compared to the first quarter of 2008. This is a result of a drop in demand by its biggest buyer, The United States, of 40% and a drop in demand inside Mexico of 26%. This is Mexico's biggest manufacturing industry so how has this decrease in demand affect the country and everyone living in it. If we think the United States has had a lot of layoffs that is nothing compared to Mexico. Mexico has grown to depend too much on the United States and this is very evident especially right now. If something happens to the United States, Mexico is automatically affected even more. This drop in demand, of course, has hurt the Mexican economy but Mexico needs to create an economy that can work with the United States but not depend on it.

LINK: http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D97IFTDO1.htm

Discrimination

Discrimination is one of the first things that we are taught in elementary school. It is an important part of our society and unfortunately is seen on a daily basis in schools, family and even in the working environment. A great example can be taken into strive in an article I came across from the economist and it was about the rich paying more taxes and many people saying it’s not enough. The rich are indeed paying more taxes because there salaries cannot be compared to what they received in the 80’s. But the rich are complaining and taking a stand on what they believe is morally right. They expect to pay the same taxes as the middle class and do not agree with the changes that are taking place. Many people that are categorized as being rich are solving there problems by off shoring “tax evasion and withholding the tax that enables countries to deduct tax automatically and leave it up to the taxpayer to reclaim the money if he can” (economist.com) It is incredible that the rich is doing everything in there power to stay away from paying taxes and how low they have gone to hide there money in another country. Another thing that they are doing is denying there citizenship because if you are a domestic citizen there are a lot of tax breaks at the end of the day.
In my personal opinion, I think that the rich should be taxed more than what they were before. Our economy is not at its peak and needs as much help as it can possibly acquire. The rich need to help the economy and make a difference. The rich are lying and hiding there money not to pay taxes, there has been cases that they have even denied they are citizens just to get the tax break. People like this should be reprimanded and given a lesson to be taught. The government is not discriminating against the rich and middle class. They are doing there job and making our economy a better place to live. Why it that the middle class have always paid there is taxes and never had a problem with it? It’s because they are being loyal to there country and the rich should use the middle class as an example.
This article was great and very detailed with facts on the rich paying more taxes. I recommend if you have a chance to read the entire article and give me your opinion on if the rich are paying more taxes and if we as a society are discriminating against the rich. If you would like to read more visit http://www.economist.com/specialreports/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13356664, published in April 2, 2009 and titled plucking the chickens.

2009 College Graduates

The article posted in Business Week describes the job market for the new college graduates of 2009. My entire group is graduating by the end of this year and this article summarizes what we will be experiencing when we start looking for a job. We will be competing with 1.5 million students graduating in 2009 plus 1.8 million degree holding unemployed people. This will make it alot more difficult to get a good job. Also overall starting salaries have decreased by 2.2% from the same time last year.
However, for business students the statistics are a little better. Starting salaries have over all increased by 1% since last year. Finance salaries have increased by 2.3%, and management salaries have increased by 3.6%. The article also says companies have not forgotten about internships. Overall internship oportunities are down by 21% but internship salaries are up by 5%. Companies understand having good employess is important and are trying to maintain talent through the difficult economic time.

LINK: http://www.businessweek.com/bschools/content/apr2009/bs2009048_818137.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index+-+temp_news+%2B+analysis

Pay-what-you-like Restaurants

A new concept is rising in the business world. More specifically, I'm speaking about restaurants. Many businesses are placing their trust in the hands of their customer, trusting they would do the right thing. Customers come into the restaurants, they have their meals, and then, what it is so surprising is that they pay what they think their meal was worth. This is certainly an enterprising concept but many of the businesses who have ventured into this idea says it pays off with many more visits from their customers and customers paying good prices for their meals. If one day they dont have a lot of money, the next they'll pay more for what they want. It is certainly a "win-win" situation for both parties. I believe it is a great concept and I'm sure it increases customer loyalty. This new concept is being utilized all around the world. For more information read the following article...

http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/content/article/2008/02/29/AR2008022902761.html?wpisrc=newsletter