Universities in France, the French way of Marketing Services and Products, Journal

PART ONE of THREE

A 3 Part Journey Into French Marketing with America's Southern College Students

Product 1: 
Slim Sodas

Many Europeans do no fit the "YuroPoor" StereoType

Shortly after arriving at our hotel in Paris we were given free time to exchange currency and get a quick bite to eat. Since we had already exchanged my currency, college cranium stopped at a small souvenir shop near the hotel to get something to drink. We asked the clerk for a coke from the refrigerator behind the counter and noticed that the packaging was much different from the U.S. The sodas were tall and slim, similar to a Red Bull can. In the U.S. sodas are short and stout. The tall, slim packaging in Europe is much more attractive.

Product 2:
Dinner on the Seine River

After a long day of walking and touring Paris we all met up around 8:00pm in the hotel lobby to go to our last stop of the night. This was the dinner cruise on the Seine River and probably one of my favorite moments in Paris. The boat was transparent on both sides to allow you to see the panoramic night views of the French architecture and monuments. It was nothing like I have ever seen before. As we floated along the Seine River dinner was served. I noticed the portions were much smaller than the portion sizes in the U.S. Also, there weren’t many options as there are in America. Our menus are much more elaborate and detailed with entrée and side options. The menu in France was very limited and did not give you an option to substitute sides. None the less, the dinner was beautiful and I enjoyed every minute of it!

Product 3:
YSL perfume promotion

After dinner I decided to visit the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower was right across the street from the boat cruise so I purchased my ticket in advance. I had about forty-five minutes until the time of my tour, so I walked around the streets of Paris to waste time. The street that ran in front of the Eiffel Tower was Quai Branly and I explored to sites on that street to stay close. I noticed that some of the buildings had large posters on them as advertisements. In America we use different forms of promotions like billboards to gain the attention of drivers or pedestrians passing by. In France, they use building to post promotions and it seemed to be a popular technique.

Services

Service 1:  
The Metro

Riding the Metro was Amazing

Our first day in Paris was very eventful. We explored Paris mostly by foot, but we also used another form of transportation, the Metro. This process is much different than what I’m used to in the U.S. I drive my car everywhere I need to go. In France, it is more convenient to use the Metro. First, you purchase tickets from a booth. (One ticket can take you anywhere you want to go!) Second, you scan your ticket and cross through a set of bars. You then go down an escalator to this underground “subway”. It is important to pay attention to the direction the train is traveling or you will end up on the wrong end of town, as I did several times!

 Service 2:
Taxi Driver

After visiting the Eiffel Tower it was pretty late and my torn up map of the city was not going to help me get home. By this time I had nearly been up for 24 hours and was too tired to walk to the hotel anyway. I decided to wave down a taxi to drive me back to the hotel. When the driver pulled up, he rolled down the window to ask where I was going, in French of course. I showed him the hotel business card and he told me to get in the taxi. In the U.S. they would typically open the door for you and provide better customer service. While driving me to my hotel, the driver was talking on his cell phone and smoking a cigarette. This was very different from what I am used to and extremely unprofessional.

Service 3: 
Hotel Balmoral front desk 

This is what our Balcony's looked like, such a great service for foreign college students!

After checking into the hotel we received the keys to our room and they were literally KEYS! In the U.S. if you check into a hotel you receive a card key that you scan to access your room, the elevator, and even sometimes the front door to the hotel. You are to keep this key with you at all times. When leaving the Hotel Balmoral the hotel clerk held onto the key at the front desk. When you returned, you told him the room number you were staying in. They then grabbed the key from a key rack behind the desk and gave you the key to your room.

Student Study for Important Industries in Ecuador Education

Ecuador has many powerful industries. The two most important industries that are vital to Ecuador’s economic wellbeing are petroleum (crude oil) and agriculture. Per Sector, industries account for 36.1 percent of Ecuador’s GDP. Their industry accounts for 25 percent of the labor force, which is around one million. Chief industrial exports are petroleum and agricultural goods. The agricultural industry exports lots of coffee and bananas. Ecuador has a positive country-of-origin effect for roses, which they are internationally praised for growing. The high altitude in Ecuador’s Andes Mtn. Range gives them a geographical advantage.

ceviche

Ecuador relies on two volatile and fluctuating industries which are held responsible for the wellbeing of Ecuador’s economy. This is because the chief products of these industries are primary products. Globally, demand for primary products is volatile, compared to manufacturing. A result of this riskiness would be the economic downturn in 1999 which drastically increased poverty and shrunk GDP. This resulted from two strokes of misfortune in 1998 when international prices for oil decreased and their shrimp were struck by a virus.

chorizos with llapingachos

Petroleum is the major industry in Ecuador and their economy relies heavily of the fluctuating international price of oil. The nation’s largest oil field is ‘Occidental's Eden Yuturi’ which, in the first half of 2004, produced more than 75,500 barrels of oil per day. Another geographical advantages that Ecuador has in industry is Ecuador’s Amazon basin which facilitated their membership into OPEC (Oil and Petroleum Exporting Countries). Petroleum accounts for one-third of public sector revenue and 40% of export earnings in 2002. Ecuador’s constitution grants subsurface resources as the property of the state, which means the government owns all the untapped oil reserves. This differs from the United States, where subsurface resources belong to the owner of the property, and allowed for many industrial giants.

Even today, their petroleum industry expands. The two major oil pipelines in Ecuador are the Sistema Oleducto Trans-Ecuatoriano (SOTE) and the Oleducto de Crudos Pesados (OCP). The three hundred ten miles of pipeline making up the Sistema Oleducto Trans-Ecuatoriano can transport more than four hundred thousand barrels per day and the shorter, three hundred mile Oleducto de Crudos Pesados can move around four hundred fifty thousand barrels per day.

fanesca- ec shrimp & soupy

Ecuador’s industry is in favor of servicing their domestic market. However, in 2000, in an attempt to fix their troubled economy, Ecuadorian citizens had to begin paying international oil prices, which meant many citizens couldn’t afford gas. This is because before the reform, the government granted large price subsidies on domestic oil, driving down the price of gasoline for individuals and created inexpensive public transportation. As a result of these regulations, according to a 2010 BP Statistical Energy Survey, Ecuador 2009 primary energy consumption was 12.39 million tonnes oil equivalent, 0.11% of the world total.

The agricultural industry of Ecuador is the second largest industry after petroleum. In addition to flowers, this industry produces and exports fresh tropical fruits, processed coffee and coffee beans, various wood products, chemicals, textiles, Cocoa, and metals. Canned fish has become more prevalent recently.

Ecuador is a gold mine for metal production and various mining industries. Ecuador had extensive and poorly established gold resources and other minerals. Ecuador mining industry produces cadmium, copper, gold, lead, silver, zinc, cement, bentonite, common clay, kaolin, feldspar, crude gypsum, silica (glass sand), ferruginous sand, stone, sand and gravel (limestone, marble, pozzolan, pumice), salt, and sulfur. Gold mining resulted more than nine and half percent increase of gold production in 2003 when compared to 2002 (2,750 kilograms of gold in 2002 and 3,020 kilograms of gold in 2003). This impressive increase in precious metals improved economic conditions and was facilitated by the mining industry.

The forest industry of Ecuador produces many wood products which is accomplished by the large dense forests of Ecuador. Their tropical forests contain more than 2,200 identified species of trees which can be refined for various production needs. The government again shows its control of resources by owning exclusive rights to more than half of the country’s forests. The Ecuadorian government owned forests accounts for 26,086,000 acres (10,557,000 hectares), or 38.1% of the total mainland area. The visible hand of the government, according to Adam Smith, is preventing industrial growth and progress. In 1999 deforestation by Ecuador’s forestry industry was 1.2 percent.

Ecuador has many other industries including a prevalent media business. Machinery, specifically printing machinery, is a growing service in Ecuador’s media industry. The use and access to internet has helped Ecuador’s industry and the internet country code is “.ec” unlike “.us” in the USA. The USA also controls the limited use of “.gov” and “.mil” (reserved for the US government and military respectively). The Research and Development Industry is heavily influenced by the government but still is a profitable and growing industry in Ecuador. In 2002, high technology exports were valued at thirty-four million dollars and shows a promising manufacturing future. Currently, their high technology industry has seen an increase in demand and as a result their manufacturing industry has improved.

Ecuador attracts lots of international tourists for many reasons. Certain mountains draw many hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Beach buffs will enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches found in Ecuador. Examples of these beaches include Salinas, a big beach city about 1and a half hours outside of Guayaquil and is referred to as Ecuador’s Miami. The city of Montanita, is home to the beach known as the surfer’s beach because of its great waves and rocky terrain. The terrain is perfect for beach enthusiasts looking for a unique beach experience. Atacames/Esmeraldas: Two beaches that are well known as family get away beaches and attracts international vacationers and beach dwellers. Casablanca is a profitable tourist attraction for the “posh” to enjoy an exclusive and pricey vacation. Casablanca is full of big condos, hotels, and apartments for tourist to reside.

In addition to the beaches of Ecuador, another advantage to their tourist industry is the deliciousness and freshness of their local cuisine, which varies by region (coastal and mountainous). On the coast, the booming seafood industry in addition to favorable climates create delicious South American meals. Popular plates take advantage of the near-by coast line as well as the developed vegetation. Ecuadorian meals are usually more ‘soupy’ than other South American dishes. Popular Ecuadorian cuisine includes Conchas Asadas, Ceviche de Camaron, Guatita, Patacone, Bolon De verde (‘Bolon’ is a slang term that means large ball), and Cazuela De pescado. Ecuador’s mountainous cuisine includes Hornado, Cuy, Fritada, Llapingachos, Humitas, and Mecocha.

In addition, Ecuador’s tourism industry includes many hotspots for travelers. These ‘must-see’ spots include the Historical Colonial Quito, the Papallacta thermal baths, the Otavalo Indigenous Market, Midad del Mundo, the Galapagos Islands, and the Amazon River.

Ecuador hosts many international companies such as Roche. In Ecuador, ‘Quito’ means ‘Pharma.’ In January of 1994, the company decided to change their name and ‘Ecuaroche’ was simplified to just Roche. The company is a research-focused healthcare company that develops and provides innovative diagnostic and therapeutic products which deliver significant benefits to patients and professionals in the healthcare industry. American companies such as Ford Motors and Kimberly Clark have manufacturing plants in Ecuador as well. The temperate climate provides a comforting source for expatriates of these businesses.

In conclusion, Ecuador’s industry is composed of two primary businesses- petroleum and agriculture. In addition to these volatile international industries, Ecuador also has important industries that include forestry, mining, research and development, and high technology manufacturing.



http://www.roche.com.ec/portal/roche-ecuador/roche_ecuador
http://www.ford.com.ec/
http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Ecuador.aspx
http://www.mbendi.com/indy/ener/sa/ec/index.htm#5
https://www.cia.gov/library/publicatons/the-world-factbook/geos/ec.html
http://www.mbendi.com/land/sa/ec/p0005.htm#Industries
http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economies/Americas/EcuadorINDUSTRY.html
Smith, Adam “The Wealth of Nations”

International Marketing for Special Advertisements

Russia uses sex to advertise many of their products. Women are viewed as objects and most Russian ads that use sex appeal would not be allowed in the United States or many other westernized countries. This happens because Russia still often oppresses women even though their country is becoming more capitalist. I think that women’s rights is another hurdle that Russia must overcome on their way to becoming westernized and Russia’s readiness to compete and market on an international level.

South Africa has laws regarding alcohol advertisement which are interesting and also restrictive and highly regulated. This may be due to the violence that has occurred in South Africa and maybe because of the country’s moon-shine businesses which I recently saw a video about. The laws for advertisements rule “no one depicted in the act of drinking in commercial communication may be younger than 25” or “suggest that alcohol beverages can contribute directly to sexual success.” I am not surprised by these laws but I think the laws about alcohol advertisement should be left as they currently are in the USA- which regulates mostly the audience of the alcohol promotion.

New Zealand has interesting laws regarding when advertisements can be shown. Running ads between programs is banned on Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and also on Sunday mornings before midday. Also, environmental products and the claims advertisers make regarding the eco-friendliness of the product must be detailed and verifiable and not general. According to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) New Zealand advertisers must comply with rules regulating the times their ads can broadcast. This makes sense to me because I have always seen New Zealand as consumer oriented and religious which would explain why ads can’t be shown on major Christian holidays. I agree with these rules too because I think it helps prevent exploiting the holidays for product sales.

Australia has an interesting advertising legislation that completely bans all advertising for tobacco products. In the US, tobacco is think this smart because Australia has one of the highest contents of ads in the world so the economy’s health improves as a result. By preventing products like tobacco from advertising, they help decrease the cancers and disease caused by the banned product. I think consumers demonstrate rational purchase behavior, except when it comes to addictive and health-hazardous consumption.

http://www.businessinsider.com/sexist-russian-advertising-examples-2012-11?op=1 http://www.asasa.org.za http://www.asa.co.nz http://www.freetv.com.au/content_common

Country of Origin Effect and Education

A strong country-of-origin effect means that a country's name, attatched to a service or product, means it will be be positively received by the public. This is as obvious as having a Cambridge degree to as subtle as Swiss Bank accounts or degrees from Columbia. These criteria influence purchase decisions for students and target markets. Is the U.S.’s California wine region is catching up with France? Is the educational system of the United States catching up with competition overseas like in North Korea or China?

SWITZERLAND
Switzerland and their delectable, rich chocolate. I have personally divulged in Swiss chocolate and can assure it does not compare with any US Hershey manufactured product or anything made by Nestle. When I see Swiss chocolate, I confirm on the back it was made in Switzerland and I purchase it without comparing it to any of the other competitors. The Swiss make some indulgent and delicious chocolate bars, however, the same cannot be said for a Nestle Crunch Bar.

JAPAN
Japan has a strong country-of-origin effect in regards to their electronic and technological industry. Unlike China, who will be seeing a positive change in their COO, Japan is facing the inverse. With a traditional society that is overpopulated, their sales will suffer because cost of production is too high. When comparing DVD players, video games, or even cars, I immediately recognize the skill and abilities specifically of Japan, even compared amongst the rest of the Asian communities, as superior and reliable. I believe countries such as North Korea and businesses such as Samsung, Apple, and Microsoft will be negatively impacting the country-of-origin effect present in Japan. When purchasing a television, I am very likely to go with a Japanese model than a domestic made product.

Innovation!

Does the country-of-origin effect sometimes negatively effect the reputation of a product? Many scholars have research which supports a negative country-of-origin effect can be see in educational institutions across the globe.

CHINA
China has been known for products of inferior, cheap, inhumane or even deadly manufacturing standards. However, even after the incident with lead paint, China’s force in the global economy has not hesitated. Their disrespect of Intellectual Property laws will surely catch up with the country. If China continues to dominate manufacturing, while incrementally improving on product quality, their importance the global market will be reason enough to diminish negative connotation about Chinese made products. Chinese sweatshops raise ethical concerns among the conscientious consume and calls into question companies who choose to take advantage of these events. These negative perceptions spiked earlier in the century and are on the decline. China’s socialist and capitalist culture are proving to be a force to be reckoned with.

INDIA
India has been known for poor customer support. This is going to change. India is developing at a remarkable rate and they are now consuming more coal than the top two consumers of coal in the United States. As Indian families continue to stress education and tradition it is likely AOL customer support with be easier to understand and communicate with. Because India is awake when everyone else sleeps, they are at a unique marketing advantage to change the way foreign customer’s views the support that is offered in India.

Complications arise when comparing data among countries such as the United States and India because of the different stages of market growth that India is experiencing. After constant struggles, India has a developed one of the most educated populations in the world, with a percentage of doctorate and engineering students that will surely overwhelm their competition. India has a very high literacy rate, however, like many emerging economies, the country still much grow as a ethical society and allow women the chance to learn to read and work. The strict regulations of Korea's educational system give their country a very strong effect when merged with school because of their dedication to standardization. The picture below is one of a North Korean school boy who had to get a haircut to conform with his school's rules for acceptable appearance. Is standardization necessary in an economy that favor creative innovation? This blog absolutely supports maximum autonomy, however, there must also be ample opportunity for students to apply what they have learned in personal areas of their career, to encourage innovation and growth.

Haircut for School

Many countries have stronger educational programs than the United States on an elementary level. North Korea's grade schools are strict and designed to develop a highly educated public. However, the higher level of education, can hardly compete with a United States Ivy League program or some of the prestigious universities of the United Kingdom.

Country-of-Origin Effect

The one aspect of education which must be addressed, is the lack of creativity and discipline found in institution world-wide but especially here at home. This is because memorization techniques will only give the academic opportunities to achieve substandard goals. China, India, Russia, the USA, Pakistan, Bulgaria, Japan, and Switzerland all have developed into powerful nations and their education system represents a strong relationship between ethnocentric and nationalistic beliefs combined with objective results and statistics.

Russia With Love

Russia’s history was initially influenced by the earliest Eastern Slaves, the Kievan Rus', who had accepted Orthodox Christianity from the Eastern Roman Empire in 988. This greatly affected the culture of Russia because the vast territory controlled by modern day Russia was united through Christianity, thus Christian values, traditions, and ceremonies can be seen in the earliest history of Mother Russia.

President of Russia Board of Education

Russia has endured dramatic cultural shifts starting as the Russian Empire, the nation then struggled as the USSR, emerged as the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, and the “motherland” is now known as the Russian SSR. Russia has suffered under a multitude of terrible and cultural inhibiting leaders throughout their history, such as Ivan IV-the Terrible. Russia has often been isolated from the rest of the world (sometimes purposefully and other times indirectly) and Russia’s culture has been slower to advance and Westernize their culture. Russia’s arts, such as its literature, theater  music, and architecture are often unique to Western ways. Russia always was trying to catch up with the rest of Europe but never could and this included their poor education system which was based on roots and not pie.

However, Russia has also had very effective leaders such as Peter the Great who played a large role in westernizing the Russian people and advanced Russia’s way of life. He also founded Saint Petersburg a popular tourist attraction. When Stalin assumed prime minister in May 6, 1941, he killed many and further stunted Russia’s economic growth and social evolution. Russia spent the years under Stalin’s control in fear. After world war one and two, Russia removed the Soviet Union and became an independent country in 1991. Russian culture celebrates their independence by retaining a vigorous nature.

Russians are known to party which is why freshman must be careful when studying in Russia because their inexperience can get them into trouble. For the international students, it is advised that you seek help from a professional in regards to your decision to study in Russia.
*Editors note: If you are studying about the potatoes or the snow, never mind  Russia is full of snow and potatoes. 

Russia also celebrates a week long Christmas holiday but they are required to fast. It is not known if this began as a tradition or if they were just out of food for a really long time. When we visited Russia, we were astounded at the lack of schoolhouses for the young children. Homeschooling is very popular in Russia, or what the students referred to as 'The motherland.' Russia students are educated much like Western students from Britain, Canada, or the United States, however, they go to school year round and get no summer. They are also required to have access to ammunition in a short notice.

Gertrude, mother of 7
Education level: 7 Potatoes (equivalent of  3rd grade USA)

All Russian students must adhere to a very strict dress code. All beards must be at least two inches long at all times. For many of the boys and girls, this means long minutes without shaving. The universities reasoning behind this was that bears of all sorts pose serious risks at all time to foreign students.

International Students and Stability

The students of Venezuela, Syria, and Turkey must face classes during a time of political instability. Their economies are suffering and as a result so is the educational system for these countries.

Venezuela
Hugo Chavez is terminally ill and cannot attend getting sworn into office for a third term. The country now does not know who their leader is going to be because the interim president is an appointed official, not an elected one, and his appointment expires with the presidential term in which he was named. This will put Venezuelan politics in limbo until the president’s status is resolved.

Syria
Forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad are fighting off rebel forces by restricting the countries freedom to access the internet and the policy is being met with heavy opposition and resistance from Syrians. Citizens are desperate to access the internet and are often using the country’s spotty cell phone connections and foreign aid to get online.

Turkey
A Syrian mortar hit Akcakale, Turkey which caused Turkey to invade the bordering country Syria, despite international opposition from the EU and Muslims. The border town of Akcakale has been deserted, blurring the geographical boundaries of the countries. International countries urge Turkey to avoid escalation and to prevent further casualties.

College Cranium visits and reviews University of Cambridge

^{Cambridge Blue [*2]}

College Cranium wanted to review an international college and after much deliberation, a crew of three journalists including myself decided to go to England and to see what the University of Cambridge was all about. The reporters for College Cranium generally focus on institutions in the United States, particularly the Ivy Leagues, because of the schools give most excellent tours, and their reputation behooves them. Their were some difficulties that made our international visit more strenuous and less of a vacation then our earlier national college reviews, however, when we made it to Cambridge on College Open Day, our expectations were exceeded. _[*1]


Back on topic, College Cranium found that the University of Cambridge has the same prestigious reputation around England that the Ivy League schools had back home. This public university had many differences compared to the U.S.A., for example instead of presidents and vice-presidents, the school was run by a Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor. Another multifarious fact about Cambridge is its ancient establishment date. This school is over 500 years older than the oldest college (yes, Ivy League) in the States! Cambridge university, along with Oxford (future review pending from College Cranium!), created the Blue athletic award.
Cambridge boasts an incredibly large number of international students, both inside and outside the European Union. Students agree that self-motivation, passion, flexibility, and confidence are definitely required characteristics to succeed in your studies at Cambridge. Cambridge also boasts a 3 year requirement for students to receive their undergraduates degree. England also has much less student debt than the United States does. This student debt is caused by improper decisions such as to receive a student loan. College Cranium was impressed by the financial aid and support Cambridge offers. This fantastic international college felt as if their were thousands of clubs and organizations active on their campus. Students are told they are among thousands of intellectual thinkers all with common goals, although their area of study may differ. Cambridge has specific colleges for both bachelor of arts and bachelor of science. Theology, natural sciences, chemical engineering, and Asian and Middle Eastern studies are just a few of the courses offered to students who are lucky enough to attend Cambridge as an undergraduate. Cambridge also offers a graduate college. After a tour of the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge's Art Museum, we were astounded by the treasures and spectacular art swag found inside.

^[*1]To review this United Kingdom University, we renewed our visas and set our destination to Cambridge, England. Our passports were difficult to come by because we were outside of the European Economic Area. However, unlike Cambridge students who require a tier 4 visa, we did not need an O,P, or H visa from the United States and our passports were already sponsored. The problem was with British Airlines, however, and we experienced a delay while we waited for the U.K. to approve our short visit with their five tier visa system. All troubles aside, finally arriving in Cambridge was well worth the stress because of how beautiful the city was and how friendly the campus tour guide was.
Before the tour, we rested in an excellent hostel which resided further, away from the school than expected, but still slept well and awoke to a breakfast of crumpets and tea. Once making it to the campus, we were greeted by one of the nicest gents I've had the pleasure of gathering information and reviewing a college with.

College Cranium's University of Cambridge Swag Facts

School Motto: From here, light and sacred draughts
Founded: 1209
College Cranium Seal of Swag:
Notable Alumni: Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin (monkey swag), Jane Goodall, Stephen Hawking, John Madden (director)
Campus Location: Cambridge, England
Nation: (foreign/international) United Kingdom
Color: Cambridge Blue^[*2]
Team Athletics: The Sporting Blue
University of Cambridge Website: www.cam.ac.uk