Mitchell E Kirchner

Abundance and scarcity each have economic and societal pros and cons. From a purely economic perspective, it is natural to assume that abundance is preferable to scarcity. In fact, economics would not exist of a social science if not for scarcity. However, if we think of the issue in a social or societal framework, the analysis becomes much more…[Read more]

This is an interesting analogy for understanding the potential network effects of digital platforms. The first part – “the power of the wolf is in the pack” illustrates that a digital platform’s value is derived from the number of users subscribed to it. Network size and value to consumers are directly correlated in digital platforms, which w…[Read more]

My first thought was that thirteen is a little young. After giving it more thought, however, I believe that most thirteen year olds are old enough to use social media like Twitter and Facebook. If I had kids I probably would not want them to be on social media until fifteen or sixteen, but because social media has permeated our culture so much, I…[Read more]

I agree that individuals should legally own their data. However, when such data is voluntarily submitted to companies who, in turn, enhance their services to customers, the issue of data ownership should be out of the picture. When data is combined to be more valuable, it benefits customers and the companies that use the data. It is important to…[Read more]

I have never been big into computer games or video games in general. With that said, however, there have been a few games here and there that I’ve played and enjoyed throughout my life. Perhaps this is because I was surrounded by friends who were hooked on video gaming when I was younger. I do not have a favorite kind of computer game because I b…[Read more]

A recent customer experience interaction I had was with Harvard Business Publishing. I was required to create an account and purchase cases for my class. I bought the cases in the first week of the semester but when the time came when I had to actually go in and use them, I was blocked from accessing the cases. I could still log into my account,…[Read more]

Before I answer the question, I think it is important to consider how “disruption” is defined. I consider it to be a temporary or permanent decrease in sustainable profitability that may end in current business models becoming obsolete. With this in mind, the industries I think will be least likely to be disrupted are social media and tec…[Read more]

I typically make my own breakfast because it is cheaper and I can select what I want to eat depending on what I feel like eating. Some days I have cereal, other days eggs. Yogurt and fruit are added occasionally. And sometimes, I eat nothing if I don’t have time. The idea is that I can pick what I’m in the mood for, instead of having a premade…[Read more]

The third and final piece advice in the article is not unique to ERP implementation, in my opinion. Any organizational change that could severely impact the operations of the business should be approached with adequate resources and expertise. The first two suggestions are a bit more specific to ERP. However, the lessons seem to be rooted in…[Read more]

The author may be a bit pessimistic, but I agree with his general argument. I don’t think Twitter can reverse its cultish appeal to its users without alienating them, at least to some degree. Perhaps my outlook is further swayed by my personal experience – I never had a Twitter account and currently have no intention of creating one. I am one of…[Read more]

After looking through the visualization methods, I’ve discovered that my favorite type is data visualization. I tend to be very numbers-oriented, so I was more comfortable with the data methods than any of the other categories. Whenever ideas, processes or systems can be quantified, I would prefer them to be that way. I wouldn’t say I really had a…[Read more]

When considering this question, I first presumed that no Internet access would not significantly change my life. However, as I thought more about it, it’s clear that my life would be different in several ways. The first and most drastic change would be the way I communicate. I rely on Internet access for corresponding in a professional setting…[Read more]

I thought this hit the nail on the head. The social problems on the Internet would not be resolved through banning anonymity. The real problem is a cultural environment which makes anonymous bullies feel it is okay to target people and threaten or bully them. Legislation changes as a response to cultural changes; culture, on the other hand, does…[Read more]

I agree entirely with your assertions. The right to free, unrestricted speech is a crucial aspect of American law and culture. So, anonymity is no exception. There is an interesting discussion that arises out of the problems that can be attributed to anonymity such as bullying. These problems, however, should not be addressed by making anonymity…[Read more]

You raise an interesting point about the value of anonymity has evolved with regard to free speech. The potential consequences of publicly expressing unpopular ideas seemed to have been worse in the past than they are now. Now, there are laws that protect individuals from intolerance. However, laws alone can only do so much to protect individuals…[Read more]

The problems of internet anonymity are much more visible than the benefits it provides. Anonymity often indirectly allows cyberbullies to escape the consequences of their actions or to go unnoticed, which is truly a terrible thing. However, the right to speak anonymously is too far ingrained in the First Amendment to be restricted through…[Read more]

I have always been interested in aircraft and enjoy reading about them whenever I can. I’ve read about the different kinds made for different purposes like commercial, cargo, recreation, private aviation, war, etc. The intersection between computer technology and aviation is becoming more and more prominent which I find interesting. An increasing…[Read more]