Author: nicole30113f14

Tinder: Love at First Swipe

Posted on by nicole30113f14

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In class, the topic of new product opportunities was discussed.  Of these opportunities included (1)  understanding the consumer and (2) technological change.  In 2014, a company known as InterActivCorp (IAC) took advantage of these opportunities to learn about consumers, their wants, and the modern use of technology.  As a result, a different form of social networking was born to success–Tinder.

The process of matchmaking through the Tinder app is simple and to the point.  The user connects their Facebook account with the app. Next, you input your matchmaking preferences.  Then, a profile picture of individuals in the area who match your preferences will show up on screen.  By swiping the picture to the left represents there is no interest.  By swiping the picture to the right, indicates some interest or attraction you are willing to explore.  If that specific individual also swipes your picture to the right, a match is made.  This unlocks the ability to chat with one another and take that next step into the relationship.

InterActivCorp took the opportunity to understand their customers and cater to their needs.  By targeting a younger audience, unlike other famous dating sites, a simple and modernized form of matchmaking has grabbed the attention of many.  Some of these factors that attribute to Tinder’s success include:

  • Simplicity:  The app is strait forward and easy to use.
  • Efficiency:  Countless possible matches can be scanned in seconds.
  • Security:  With the ability to synchronize with Facebook, it becomes harder for others to lie about who they are.
  • Assurance:  The concept of not being able to chat unless there is a mutual interest for each other provides more confidence in the process.
  • Accessibility:  In the form of a mobile app, everything is held at the palm of your hand.
  • Ability to Encounter:  Only individuals who are in your selected vicinity will show up as possible matches.

These are not the only factors that attribute to Tinder’s popularity, however.  In much simpler terms–it’s fun.  The entire operation is like a game.  There is mystery and excitement.  Not only that, but many of the photos that show up on screen may show to have mutual friends.   The awareness of common connections already creates an idea of possible shared interests.  By including those living in surrounded areas creates more of a reality.  Knowing you can meet up and attend dates without worrying about long distance, holds more promise in the relationship.

In these ways, Tinder has triumphed with the help of an audience holding common goals–to mingle and meet great company.  With such attributes and such deep understanding of customer wants, this app has prospered greatly in the past two years.  Personally, I believe that the creators of Tinder took an opportunity at hand and created something original of an already known idea.  Building upon the concept of social networking and online dating, this new form of interaction has impacted many.  What do you believe makes Tinder so appealing to its users?  Will Tinder’s success last in today’s world, or will another new product opportunity take over its fame?

http://www.gq.com/life/relationships/201402/tinder-online-dating-sex-app

 

The Era of Panera

Posted on by nicole30113f14

Panera Bread Case Study

The food industry definitely has its struggles as a workplace.  However, can’t that be said about any job position?  I have realized that it all depends on the quality of management.  As a new employee of Panera Bread, I am proud to praise the company and the leadership it offers.  Their strategic decisions and success in hiring passionate, yet qualified operation managers, makes it easy to relate everything learned in class.

In chapter one, we were given a list of 10 strategic decisions of operations management to ponder:

1.  Design of goods and services

2.  Managing quality

3.  Process and capacity design

4.  Location strategy

5.  Layout strategy

6.  Human resources and job design

7.  Supply-chain management

8.  Inventory management

9.  Scheduling

10.  Maintenance

When I think Panera Bread, I think strategy success.  The restaurant layout, quality food, and design of service are only three of the tactful ways Panera remains popular among the community.  The environment strives for a homey feel–using all of the senses to engage one in its comfortability.  For example, the aroma of freshly baked bread captures the sensation of one’s own kitchen.  As the foremost important attribute to the restaurant, bread is baked to quality every night to satisfy customers.  In addition, handpicked employees are chosen to complete the overall sincere and warm-hearted experience.

The hiring process, itself, had given me reason to believe that Panera’s operations were organized and safely developed.  They cared so much about finding people who fit into the beliefs of the corporation.  Even as the ‘new girl’ I was surprised how many people made me feel welcomed with a simple introduction.  Also, the pride and carefulness in training was a process I had never gone through–even though I had previously worked in the food industry.  The procedure first began with a group interview, which later led to a one-on-one.  This allowed the managers to see how each interviewee reacted within a crowd, as well as getting to know them personally. Once receiving confirmation of making the team, an event known as, Plan a Bread, must be attended.  It would inform workers of the company’s background and intended goals.  Then, hours of e-learning videos and quizzes continued the process.  Next was the physical training.  Here I would take on different responsibilities to contribute to Panera’s service–cashier, barista, back-of-house, and food production.  This would take weeks.  Even with training completed, the learning never stopped.  Each season, a ‘bread bash’ is held.  This mandatory meeting gathers up all of the employees within a location.  The objective of the meeting is to inform everyone about new menu additions and give them a little taste.

This is a perfect example of a company who cares not only about service and food, but about its family of employees.  Doing their best to have knowledgeable workers who know what they are a part of, Panera’s organized management creates a warm environment for all to enjoy.  Now knowing of the process that happens behind the scenes at Panera Bread, do you agree or disagree that they hold a smooth operation?