Module 9

Megan Flinders
Module 9

The building of a Dell laptop is quite impressive as was illustrated by Friedman in chapter 16 when he discussed the machine he used to write this book.  He wanted to know where the components came from, and contacted Dell to trace the location.  What is depicted next is an impressive supply chain which can readily pinpoint where each part came from, and a vision of how Dell operates. 
Dell takes orders for its computers via internet or phone, and on an average day tallies near 140,000 – 150,000 computers sold.  The suppliers that work with Dell are contacted as soon as the orders are placed, to expedite the shipping of all of the products. Because each order is customized to the customer, Dell does not pre-build most of its computers.  The exact product type, module, hardware are sent to the factory, scanned in by barcode and put in the bins for assembly.  Dell, like Walmart, has multiple suppliers which it can contact in the case of product shortages or defects.  This speeds up the time to market and ultimately, improves customer satisfaction.  In the end, the building of a Dell laptop is about collaboration, continuous process improvement, and efficiency.
    When speaking of al-Qaeda and supply chains, one can see that the flattened world has aided terrorist groups who use these same instruments for global collaboration.  Al-Qaeda’s usage of supply chains is dangerous because the supply chains it uses are for destruction and terror, not profit and a better standard of living.  Friedman points out the fact that the leaders and innovators of al-Qaeda understand supply chains and the flat world almost as well as the innovators from Wal-Mart, Dell, and Infosys.  It has allowed a revival of Muslim identity and an ability to train, recruit, and connect with members instantaneously in all parts of the world.
    Friedman defines the types of supply chains used by al-Qaeda as mutant supply chains or suicide supply chains.  In the end, these supply chains have worked in the flattened world to let the small act big.  This is seen in acts of physical and cyber terror which have been enabled by the flattened world.
    The curse of oil as stated by Friedman, is where the monarch and dictators who run countries, get rich by drilling oil and use wealth to stay in office forever.  They use this oil money to monopolize the power without empowering the people of the nations they rule.  This ultimately retards growth and causes a major rift between rulers and those being ruled.  When rulers hoard money and resources, there is no need or desire to understand or have empathy for those they rule.  They simply govern in a self-gratifying and benefiting way.  Many nations have been unable to progress in a democratic context due to the curse of oil and continue having weak or nonexistent institutions.
    Another factor in the curse of oil is the lack of innovation or creativity that takes places when all you have to do is dig for oil.  Building things creates trade.  Friedman stated that fact that while Muslim nations make up near 20 percent of the world’s population, they only account for 4 percent of world trade.  Trading opens the doors for innovation and ideas.  It fosters global connectivity and exposure.

Module 8

Megan Flinders

Module 8

Personal Computer Education Essay

 

            My relevant story about how computers have been used in my education starts many years ago.  My husband, prior to starting his MBA, purchased a new laptop.  We opted to stay with Windows XP instead of the new Windows 7 due to some unfavorable reviews on the new software.  We had Microsoft 2003 as 2007 hadn’t quite been released.  This Toshiba laptop was perfect.  While my husband used it for class, we also used it as our home computer storing large amounts of music, video, and photos on the hard drive.  Several years later, which happened to be when I decided to go back to school, we decided it would be a good idea to get a desktop computer to go along with the laptop.  The laptop’s memory was about full, Windows XP had since been several times updated to the new Windows 8, the Microsoft Office package we were using was now severely outdated with formats somewhat incompatible for my studies, and our iPad just wouldn’t meet all of my needs.  With all of the factors in place, off we went to buy the home computer. 

As my first week of courses began, I was still using our laptop to check out my courses on the online Canvas system.  Most of my courses were held at the University, however, they also included an online component.  It would be necessary that I had an internet connection at home to be able to perform research for my classes, write papers, and submit everyday assignments.  Study guides and exam prep were also included on the Canvas system which made it a go to program on a daily basis.  And most importantly, most of my assignments were to be submitted online.  Here alone shows how instrumental computers were to be in my education.  To not be able to access Canvas through a working computer and internet connection would be devastating.  Thus the stage was set for the perfect digital failure.

It all began when our new, supposedly up to date computer (which had Microsoft 2013, Windows 8.1, and several bells and whistles) began to throw up all sorts of pop-ups and indications a virus was present.  I was in the middle of trying to save a paper I had just written, which happened to be due that night, when the computer stated my C: drive was corrupted.  I couldn’t save, exit, and continue with Microsoft Word.  I reset my computer and it wouldn’t start back up.  All the while, in my panicked state, I tried to fire up the dusty laptop.  Sorry, after waiting for 10 precious minutes for the dinosaur to turn on, it prompted me that the memory was full.  Therefore, I couldn’t use the laptop.  Since I was too far away from the University, library, or any other source I could think of, I was relegated to try and remember what I had written in my essay and finger peck away on the iPad.  I typed prodigiously until I had somewhat of an assignment completed and turned it in to my teacher.  I think I spent as much time writing an explanation to what had happened, as I did on the paper.  What a horrible experience with the use of technology which has left a lasting impression on me.  I have definitely learned from that experience what I could have done differently and hopefully won’t have to experience something like that again.

Suffice it to say that computers have played, and continue to impact, a huge part of my education.  All of my classes this semester are through the Canvas system.  Without the ability to use a computer from the comfort of my home, or even the convenience of the library, I would be forced to hand write, and physically turn in my assignments.  Computers have increased the efficiency and over experience in getting an education and will continue to do so throughout my college years.

Module 7

Megan Flinders

Module 7

 

Some countries are better at doing certain things, or in economic terms, have a comparative advantage in large part due to their culture.  Friedman references The Wealth and Poverty of Nations in which author David Landes mentions that the values of the country or region (hard work, thrift, honesty, patience and tenacity) are a bigger factor than the climate, natural resources and geography.  While the latter factors also play a part in competitive advantage, countries gain the comparative advantage from these intangible factors.

Friedman goes on to explain how Ireland has these values instilled in the country DNA, and has risen from the scoffing of European countries, to become the second most wealthy nation in the European Union.  The hard work and resiliency of the nation has allowed it to embrace globalization and become an attractive player in the global economy.  Friedman uses the term “glocalize” to describe nations who absorb foreign ideas and best practices and meld them with the country’s own norms and traditions to create an advantage in the flat world.  This is in contrast to many Muslim countries who are stuck on tradition and unwilling to glocalize with other nations.  Not only are these countries closed off to the idea of melding ideas, some actually shun the practice and feel a need to “purge” or eliminate certain nations to do.  In a way, this leads to a more closed mindset which can decrease the potential comparative advantage.  Ultimately when tolerance is the foundation, nations can share best practices and good ideas for the greater good of all.

One additional comparison Friedman uses to illustrate why some countries produce comparative advantage is between Mexico and China.  Simply stated, it is the intangibles China possess which allows it to thrive while Mexico is lost shuffling for answers.  China has found the ability to focus its energies, perform necessary reform, and promote based on a meritocracy.

Self-directed consumers are those that drive companies to offer products and services customized to their needs.  They feel that if Company X is not offering such a service they desire, they will find another company that does.  An example referenced is in the financial industry where consumers want one stop shopping for these services.  It can also be seen in many companies and innovative products which continue to develop after taking surveys, launching pilot products and programs, and making adjustments based on consumer feedback.

I believe I am a self-directed consumer in a way because I have a good idea of the service and products I want.  However, I also enjoy companies, such as Apple, who bring innovative products to me.  I think there is a delicate balance between being reactive and waiting for customers to tell you what they what, and being innovate and proactive and telling consumers what they want while giving the reasons they will want it.  Ultimately people don’t know they need or want or can’t live without (e.g. smartphones now versus phones 15 years ago) until somebody creates the products and shows them.

When speaking of globalization, it is not meant to reference Americanization.  Friedman discusses how this might have been the general feel or consensus early on the flattening process simply because America was the first mover in the market.  Most American factories, products, brands and so forth paved the way in globalization.  However, we have discussed through the text this concept of individual empowerment through electronic means and platforms and the flattening world.  Now people everyone can upload content, ideas, and innovation from across the globe.  This means more and different perspectives, and cultural impact instead of simply an Americanization of the globe.  Americanization is still a powerful force, but globalization offers a platform for individuals from all nations to share cultural norms and practices as never before. 

 

Module 6

Megan Flinders

Module 6

 

Free trade is the notion that countries and economies as part of the global economy will thrive if each focuses on producing products that align with their core competencies.  It also enlists the concept that without barriers and tariffs, free trade would be able to flow without limit and end in a win-win for all parties involved.

The concept of free trade has encountered some opposition in recent years due to the explosion of offshoring and outsourcing.  Friedman himself mentions that even he, who still believes in the concept of free trade to the fullest, was a bit unnerved when he visited Bangalore and saw how many educated people were vying for the same jobs.  He couldn’t help but wonder how this increased competition in an ever increasingly flat world would affect himself, his children, and Americans as a whole.

I think the concept is important.  I also believe that more than just the back office or service level jobs will be continually outsourced if the pool of talent and skills sets are found similar in these regions at a fraction of the cost.  Americans will have to continue to focus on better education, continuous improvement, and innovation as to not lose the jobs and careers that allow for financial freedom in our capitalistic society.  Therefore, I too am not necessarily in favor of protectionism, or government enforced barriers, but in ever increasing personal value to stand out from the crowd. 

I also believe we have seen the anti-outsourcing movement to some degree with companies promoting the buy local, or buy American slogans.  I think this will continue to be a selling point and marketing strategy for some industries such as auto and manufacturing.  Some companies openly agree that there is a low cost alternative found abroad, but drive home the point that buying foreign may result in lesser quality, or hurting the national economy.  So while the government may not official come in enacting barriers or walls of some sort to globalization, companies themselves are doing so by new marketing techniques.

When discussing the idea of a “new middler” the illustration about homework resonated with me.  Friedman mentions that no longer must we do our homework, but we must do the right kind of homework.  This is due to the fact of the ever changing landscape where companies are changing whole workplace models.  So in order to take advantage and stay ahead of the competition, you have to study the right topics and focus on the right skill sets to gain or maintain a competitive advantage.  You have to be the “go to” employee and expert in your field.  Your value skyrockets due to your skill set, intellectual capital, and overall intangible value to your company which they cannot afford to outsource, automate, or digitize.

Friedman goes on to form three broad categories of “untouchables”.  These are people who are truly specialized, those who are localized or anchored, and those from the “old middle” jobs.  He then lists the skills and personality traits involved; namely great collaborators and orchestrators, great synthesizers, great explainers, great leveragers, great adapters, the green people, passionate personalizers, math lovers, and great localizers.  Each in their own way has a goal to decrease the change of losing their job to outsourcing or the negative effect of stagnated wages.

CQ + PQ > IQ is the formula Friedman uses to identify those who will stand out in the crowded masses of employment seekers.  CQ, the curiosity quotient, plus PQ, the passion quotient, are greater than IQ.  Simply put, those who have passion and curiosity are more likely to succeed in the flattened world because information is endless and now more available than ever.  If you have a passion to be creative and innovate, you can find the tools and know how to succeed.  Therefore, these skills are potentially more valuable than simply having a high IQ but no passion or curiosity.  As more and more of the global workforce becomes globalized, your passion to succeed and curiosity in ways to innovate and improve processes becomes ever more important.