Our last lecture of the semester covers social media. Examples from the healthcare industry are offered, the SMART (Social Media Awareness and Response Team) framework is introduced, based on our Nov. 2009 Harvard Business Review article, and concepts of crowd sourcing and prediction markets are introduced. The course ends with a discussion of Facebook, highlighting the firm’s growth, the impact of feeds, the importance of the F8 effort, the struggles of Beacon, and challenges of ad models & social networks (specifically with content adjacency and user attention). Chapter & Case readings can be found at http://www.gallaugher.com/chapters
Posted by: John Gallaugher
Podcast: MI021 Lecture 14 - Social Media and Facebook Case - Fall 2009.m4a
| @ October 17, 2009 9:32:08 AM EDT ( ) |
The second part of our Moore’ Law discussion. The advancement of cheaper and more powerful computing is perhaps the greatest economic gravy train in history, lowering interest rates, increasing productivity, and creating new industries. But Moore’s Law applied to silicon will also likely come to a grinding halt during your lifetime. This lecture provides an accessible, managerial discussion to the challenges plaguing the continued advancement in the semi-conductor industry, and offers the pros and cons of solutions that include multi-core and 3D/Stackable chips. The lecture also offers a business-centric introduction to supercomputing and grid computing. A discussion of eWaste concludes the readings discussion. The class ends with a managerial discussion of Network Effects, with an example-rich a focus on how to compete in markets where network effects are present. Student reading online at http://www.gallaugher.com/chapters
Posted by: John Gallaugher
Podcast: MI021 Lecture 13 - Moore's Law (end), Network Efrfects, and Social Media (Part I) - Fall 2009.m4a
| @ October 17, 2009 9:24:45 AM EDT ( ) |
This is the first part of our managerial introduction to Moore’s Law and other factors behind increasingly fast/cheap computing. Topics include Moore’s Law for empowering the poor, price elasticity, new market creation, market disruption, and the challenges that may slow or even stop the evolution advancement of fast/cheap semiconductors. Rich examples including the OLPC, mobile phones, Amazon, and Apple are introduced. Chapter accompanying this case can be found at http://gallaugher.com/chapters. This podcast is in AAC iTunes format.
Posted by: John Gallaugher
Podcast: MI021 Lecture 12 - Moore's Law Part II - Fall 2009.m4a
| @ October 9, 2009 4:30:04 PM EDT ( ) |
The Netflix Case concludes with a discussion of collaborative filtering (the firm's Cinematch software), crowdsourcing (The Netflix Prize), switching costs, churn rates, and the challenges of the streaming business. Licensing issues, the restrictions of media 'windowing', and Netflix attempts to embed streaming in consumer electronics devices are introduced, as are difficulties in competing with varied and well-resourced rivals as this business shifts from atoms to bits. Written case for this lecture can be found at http://gallaugher.com/chapters. This podcast is in iTunes AAC format.
Posted by: John Gallaugher
Podcast: MI021 Lecture 11 - Netflix (end) - Fall 2009.m4a
| @ October 9, 2009 4:24:53 PM EDT ( ) |
How did Netflix repel Walmart and crush Blockbuster? This podcast discusses key resources leveraged by video subscription startup, including various sources of scale advantage, brand, and data/switching costs. The concept of the long tail is introduced, as is the firm's revenue-sharing model used with some suppliers. Written case for this lecture can be found at http://gallaugher.com/chapters. This podcast is in iTunes AAC format.
Posted by: John Gallaugher
Podcast: MI021 Lecture 10 - Netflix Part II - Fall 2009.m4a
| @ October 9, 2009 4:17:35 PM EDT ( ) |
The Strategy & Technology discussion continues with a tech-centric introduction to Porter's Five Forces and The Value Chain. Next, we begin our discussion of Netflix, focusing on how the firm's early success attracted well-known rivals who nonetheless have failed to match Netflix's success. Case available online at http://www.gallaugher.com/chapters. Podcast is in enhanced iTunes format.
Posted by: John Gallaugher
Podcast: MI021 Lecture 09 - Strategy & Tech (end) and Netflix Part I - Fall 2009.m4a
| @ September 30, 2009 4:39:55 PM EDT ( ) |
Our discussion of the relationship between technology and resources for competitive advantage continues. Concepts covered include data & switching costs, distribution channels, alliances, and patents. Class ends challenging general platitudes on the value of IT and moving early. Readings for this class are available online at: http://www.gallaugher.com/chapters. This podcast is in iTunes enhanced format.
Posted by: John Gallaugher
Podcast: MI021 Lecture 08 - Strategy & Tech Part III - Fall 2009.m4a
| @ September 30, 2009 4:37:21 PM EDT ( ) |
Students are introduced to resource-based thinking for competitive advantage. The telecom industry is used to demonstrate what happens when firms invest in resources without examining the durability of those investments. The class next includes a discussion of imitation-resistant value-chains (including Dell’s struggles), as well as the value of brand for online firms, and advantages related to scale. Reading this lecture is available at http://www.gallaugher.com/chapters
Posted by: John Gallaugher
Podcast: MI021 Lecture 07 - Strategy & Tech Part II - Fall 2009.m4a
| @ September 25, 2009 4:23:18 PM EDT ( ) |
Lecture introduces concepts of Operational Effectiveness vs. Strategic Positioning, as they relate to technology firms. The goal is to begin to develop a framework for answering the question ‘How can a firm possibly compete when everyone can copy their technology & the competition is just a click away?’ The FreshDirect case is discussed in depth. Reading chapter for Strategy & Technology can be found online at
http://www.gallaugher.com/chapters
Posted by: John Gallaugher
Podcast: MI021 Lecture 06 - Strategy & Tech Part I - Fall 2009.m4a
| @ September 24, 2009 7:36:11 PM EDT ( ) |
This general management lecture, rich in tech-centric examples, explores reasons behind the intense competition found in contemporary markets. The lecture emphasizes how contract manufacturing, technology shifts, deregulation, and - most significantly – globalization are impacting markets. The Globalization lecture is a bit of a departure from our regular fare, but the example-rich introduction is meant to help students appreciate the regional and business breadth of world-class enterprises coming from emerging economies. This lecture is in AAC (iTunes/iPod) format.
Posted by: John Gallaugher
Podcast: MI021 Lecture 05 - Globalization - Fall 2009.m4a
| @ September 24, 2009 7:34:16 PM EDT ( ) |
Conclusion of the Zara case discussion presents how Zara's tech-enabled vertically integrated value chain delivers speed, plus payoff advantages in inventory, marketing, and ultimately profit. Prada's failed in-store tech effort is contrasted as a way to understand IS vs. IT thinking. The case ends with a discussion of the vulnerabilities in Zara's otherwise excellent business model. This podcast is in iTunes AAC format. The case for this discussion is available at http://gallaugher.com/chapters
Posted by: John Gallaugher
Podcast: MI021 Lecture 04 - Zara End - Fall 2009.m4a
| @ September 19, 2009 3:22:01 PM EDT ( ) |
A case discussion on fast fashion powerhouse Zara continues. The discussion covers how information systems enable a counter-intuitive, winning strategy that has taken the firm’s parent, Inditex, to the #1 position among clothing retailers worldwide. Issues of IS impact on inventory, marketing, design and product planning, ethical manufacturing, and profitability are all discussed. The written case for this discussion is available online at http://www.gallaugher.com/chapters
Posted by: John Gallaugher
Podcast: MI021 Lecture 03 - Zara Part II - Fall 2009.m4a
| @ September 18, 2009 1:42:47 PM EDT ( ) |
Group project guidelines are discussed for first 25 mins, then the Zara discussion is prefaced by an introduction to Gap and conventional wisdom in the clothing industry. The written case for the Zara discussion is available online at http://www.gallaugher.com/chapters
Posted by: John Gallaugher
Podcast: MI021 Lecture 02 - Course Info & Zara Part I - Fall 2009.m4a
| @ September 18, 2009 1:40:33 PM EDT ( ) |
This first lecture is a setup for the semester and is targeted at getting students to think broadly about the relationship between tech & business. Several examples are given demonstrating the pervasive impact of technology on various business disciplines. Since this is a Boston College course, students also learn the role BC alumni have played in the creation of products from Netscape to the iPod. (note: this file is in AAC format).
Posted by: John Gallaugher
Podcast: MI021 Lecture 01 - Course Introduction - Fall 2009.m4a
| @ September 10, 2009 3:26:28 PM EDT ( ) |
These files are saved in enhanced podcast format (extension .m4a). If for some reason your Windows PC saves this file as .mp3, simply change the extension to .m4a. Files can be played within iTunes or QuickTime. Want the file in MP3 format? Load the file within iTunes (free download at www.itunes.com), right click the file’s name, and select ‘Convert to MP3’.
Posted by: John Gallaugher
| @ September 9, 2008 2:51:44 PM EDT ( ) |
Information on MI021 Computers in Management Podcasts - a first course in Management at the Carroll School of Management, Boston College. Includes information about how to access additional online materials and readings (note: this file is in enhanced podcast format for iPod and iTunes players).
Posted by: John Gallaugher
Podcast: mi021 Lecture 00 - Play Me First.m4a
| @ September 7, 2007 9:13:37 PM EDT ( ) |
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