Thursday, December 15, 2011

Submit your book reviews to TurnItIn


Dear 343 students,

I will not post grades for your book reviews unless you submit them to TII for originality analysis.
(Thanks to those who have already done this!)

Please get these in ASAP.  I'm supposed to give grades to the Registrar's office no later than 10 am on Friday.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Funny for the weekend


There's plenty more fun to be found here, if you need to unwind your brains for a minute or two...

Good luck with finals, projects, presentations, etc.!

Friday, December 2, 2011

Caution: Heuristics at work



Everyone's all bent out of shape about regular Coke in special white cans

It's newsworthy!  Coca-Cola took note! 

Even more interesting than the story itself, though, are people's reactions to the story itself.  There's quite interesting reading in the comments section that follows this article (and all over the 'net).

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Talk this afternoon!



Hi everyone,

The CoB's Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Shannon Stowell, will be giving a talk entitled "Adventure Travel Saves the World" at 5:00 today in Reid 201.

Read all about it here!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Babies case study



Articles:




Q 1:

One recurring – and valid – critique of this movie is that the filmmakers don’t really represent reality, or offer much deep insight, into the lives of babies around the world.  Using the articles above, your textbook, and other sources (if you choose), discuss, in detail, what this film CAN teach us about consumer behavior within the four cultures it focuses on.

Your answer should be both broad and deep, i.e., don’t just mention one or two aspects of CB.  Really dig and see how much you can learn from this movie.
***
If you want to watch it outside the classroom, this movie is available to stream via Netflix, OnDemand, through iTunes, and probably other vendors.

Image credit: http://www.hvmag.com/Blogs/Mama-Greenest/May-2010/Babies-The-Movie/5.24.10.ponijao.jpg

Monday, November 14, 2011

I'm unreasonably excited about this:

Extra credit available!

 Hi everyone,

As we approach the end of the semester, I'm offering a little quid pro quo:  You take a survey I'm conducting, and I'll give you some extra credit points (amt TBD)!

In addition, you'll also be able to enter a drawing for one of two $50 gift cards!  You can choose from Amazon.com or the Bozeman Running Company.

If the link above doesn't work, go to:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/barefootrunning

Feel free to pass this along to family, friends, your Facebook distribution list...  And remember, you don't have to be a runner (much less, a barefoot-in-the-snow runner) to successfully complete this survey.  My results will be best if I can get responses from a nice cross-section of the population.

Photo credit: http://shodless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/michael_sadler_barefoot_winter.jpg




Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Case 2, Q 1

 Hi everyone,

Here's the first (take-home) question for Case 2.  Please let me know if you need more explanation to help you answer it.

Good luck, and have fun!
Graham
***

In Bend it Like Beckham, Jess is shown being a member of two subcultures -- Indian Britons and female soccer players.    

Using substantial information from your textbook to support your answer, identify and discuss defining elements of these subcultures  (e.g., diet, religion, clothing/fashion, romance, family structure, career/education expectations, leisure activities, household décor, etc.). 

Then, using substantial information from your textbook to support your answer, discuss how the members of these subcultures (not just Jess) use consumption and non-consumption to help create identities for themselves and express their lifestyle preferences.

Finally, please note whether you think these portrayals are stereotypes, and justify your opinion, using substantial information from your textbook to support your answer.

Image source: http://www.availableimages.com/images/pictures/2003/bend-it-like-beckham/aph_0.jpg

Monday, October 17, 2011

No class this Wednesday

See you all next Monday!

On Wednesday, any time after noon, you're welcome to come by my office (Reid 347) to pick up your case studies.  If I'm not here, look in the folder on the outside of my door.


Photo source: http://davidsheffield.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/celebrate.jpg

Friday, October 14, 2011

Ugh!

 Hi everyone.

I had written the best. blog post. ever. and was trying to make one tiny edit when I accidentally hit the "revert to draft" button.

Note:  DON'T EVER DO THIS.

I don't know why, but now there seems to be absolutely no record that I ever even started writing the BBPE, much less published it.  Yargh.  Maybe it has shown up in your feed, if you're subscribed to this blog.  If so, can someone please copy it for me and mail it back to me?

Anyway, I can't take the time to completely re-write the whole post, so I'm just going to include all the links that I had included the first time I wrote it.  You can look at all the posts and see if you can figure out what I was trying to say -- it'll be like a game! ... right?

Okay, here goes (in order):

Journal article about how we learn
Popular press article about journal article
HUGE news about the College of Business
Article about red Solo cups
Flip Cup video
Missoni at Target
Article about Missoni at Target
Article about Missoni at Target.com
Article about the resignation of Target.com's president
Wiki page re the blogosphere

Happy weekend!


PHOTO CREDIT (THIS WAS WHAT I WAS TRYING TO FIX WHEN I DELETED MY WHOLE FLIP-CUPPIN' POST): http://www.xtcian.com/KentbabyHappySad(bl).jpg

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Case 1, question 2


The Burning Man festival, held annually in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada, emphasizes people’s experiences, interpersonal communication, sacred consumption, and playfulness.

It's a "brand-free zone," meaning that any commercial brand names, logos, etc. are forbidden from being displayed.

This doesn't prevent people from engaging in barter or other forms of trade, nor does it keep them from engaging in displays of "personal brands."  In fact, Burning Man has become a very powerful brand itself.

***
Discuss, in as much detail as the time will allow, how alternative consumption & non-consumption are tied to people’s ideas of themselves (e.g., their real & ideal selves, looking glass selves, extended selves, inner v. other-defined selves, etc.).  Explain & support your answer.

***

Notes:  Don’t make unsupported assertions, i.e., don’t assume that this question only refers to Burning Man participants, hippies, etc.  I expect proof for any blanket assertion that you make about individuals or groups of consumers. 

EVERYONE engages in alternative & non-consumption behaviors – even you! 
(Okay, I know that’s a blanket assertion J)

If you’re stumped, you might start by thinking about how can a person have “relationships” with brands/products that s/he DOESN’T consume or actively rejects. 

Remember the two biggest questions to ask yourself as you’re answering the question:

“Have I proven that this is a correct answer?”
“Have I proven that this is a complete answer?”


Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Case 1, question 1


Hi everyone,

To get started working on the first case (reading, taking notes, even writing) you can click here to access question 1 (of 2).

There are a lot of hints/tips/ideas for how to write your answers, but you're free to deviate from the models I provide if you have another idea of thinking about the answers...

Good luck!
Graham

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Odds and ends

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the lively discussion on "The Persuaders" this afternoon -- your thoughtful conversation bodes well for the rest of the semester!

And now, for a few follow-up items of business:
1) <--------- I've posted the case study grading rubric in the sidebar to your left.

2) On Monday (9/19), Lisa Daniels from the BBCC will be coming to class to help further explain the case study expectations, and to offer her professional services to help you dig into these assignments.

3) On Wednesday (9/21), I would like you all to come to class during class time (I won't be there), to form teams of 4-5 students and start brainstorming ideas for your final project for this class -- a big ol' multi-page consumer behavior wiki creation. While you don't have to decide on your topic this early in the semester, I want you to take notes and generate a list of options that you'll consider developing.

4) I'm going to populate the calendar at the bottom of the blog with the due dates for your assignments for the rest of the semester. They are, of course, available on the syllabus as well (which is available through D2L).

5) I did the math after class today, and realized that my son, who turns 1 in October, will have been on 4 round-trip plane rides (and to 2 academic conferences) before his first birthday. That just seems nuts to me!

6) Here's the Mean Joe Green Coke commercial that I talked about in class today. Thanks, Michael N.!




Photo source: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0bUL8Fki9FM/TgyyzV4yQHI/AAAAAAAABSw/-ambh6b1t9Y/s400/baby_airplane.350w_263h.jpg

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

The Persuaders

Hi everyone,

Here's the link to the website if you want or need to re-watch any/all of "The Persuaders."

There are also transcripts, full-length interviews, food-for-thought questions, and more -- check it out!

Photo source: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/press/art/2303small.jpg

Friday, September 9, 2011

Light weekend reading


Here's a funny take on blog comments...

I promise I'll write about other topics this semester!

Happy weekend :-)

Image source: http://ursispaltenstein.ch/blog/images/uploads_img/god_computer.jpg

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

On human choice

I find it fascinating that my son, age 11 months (and change), already has distinct consumer preferences. It really opens a philosophical window to consider that this child, who can't speak, or walk, can still browse around on his high chair tray and pick out only certain foods, while leaving the others behind.

Blueberries -- yes.
Watermelon -- yes.
Cell phones -- yes, but only if they work. (He's wise to the one we've given him with the battery removed.)
Baths -- yes.
Dogs -- yes.

Bibs -- no.
Hats -- no.
Green peas -- no.
Face washing -- no.
Naps -- no.

Photo source: Me :-)

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

"My Misspent Youth"

Hello all,

There seems to be some confusion about the assignment that's due tomorrow, so I'll just post the instructions here (copied from D2L), and hope it clears things up!
***

“My Misspent Youth” instructions

1. Read "My Misspent Youth" by Meghan Daum.

2. Write a reaction paper (~2 pages, double spaced) about this essay, thinking about these types of questions:

  • What motivated the author to make the consumption decisions that she did?
  • Does she remind you of anyone you know (including yourself)? How?
  • Do her decisions seem rational? Why/why not?
  • Do you think she could have predicted/averted her financial crisis? Why/why not?
  • Did you enjoy reading this story?

3. Bring paper to class and be ready to discuss your answers.

4. Turn it in to me at the end of class.

***

Good luck!

Photo source: http://img1.blockshopper.com/story_images/20199/4/master.jpg

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Your amazing classmates

Hi everyone,

It's Thursday! It's almost the long weekend! Hooray!

Some of your peers have hit the ground running and already set up their blogs for this class. Not only are these brand-spanking-new websites exciting, they're gorgeous and funny and interesting.

Take a look for yourselves, and get inspired! (And don't forget to feed Danielle's fish while you're reading her posts...)

http://c-noceti.blogspot.com/

http://consumingbehave.blogspot.com/
http://danielleblogstoday.blogspot.com/

If someone sets up a blog that you think is particularly great, you can choose to follow it -- the link is in the upper-left corner of the screen. You can also follow this blog, which will give you a feed in your own Google dashboard, for easy access to the class material.

Photo source: http://windsormedia.blogs.com/photos/uncategorized/cartoon_blogging2.gif

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

How to beat the bloggy blues


Are you dreading the blogging assignment for this class?

I understand! I confess that I am, by nature, a procrastinator who is also subject to fits of laziness...

However, I've found some tips from a fellow blogger about how to be successful in one's online journaling adventures. I hope they'll help me stay on track -- maybe you'll find some (or all) of them useful too.

Happy writing!

UPDATE: Adding a YouTube video to a blog is slightly tricky, but I managed to refresh my memory of how to do it.
1) Find the video you want to use.
2) Click the "Share" button under the video.
3) When the sharing menu pops open, click the "Embed" button.
4) Copy the HTML code that appears in the text box.
5) Paste this code directly into your blog post.

That's all! You've done it!

Photo source: http://weidnerappsych.wikispaces.com/Dec+13

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

The wiki is now open for business!


Hi everyone,

I hope your second day of classes is going well!

I've established a wiki for this class to use during the coming semester. Please feel free to link on over and electronically request permission to edit it. I'll give you a quick (but thorough) lesson on how to use it tomorrow during class.

(I've added a permanent link to the wiki in the sidebar to the left...)

Monday, August 29, 2011

Hey, hey, hey!


It's time to play the music, it's time to light the lights...

Welcome to the 2011-2012 academic year! Check back here for all the information you need for Consumer Behavior, as well as for info, tips, and fun, fun links to marketing and CB-related stuff.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Money, money


Click here to access a podcast of This American Life's story on philosophies of money (i.e., currency) -- it's fascinating stuff when you have an hour!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

One response to hypercommercialism and hyperchoice




The Burning Man festival, held annually in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada, emphasizes experiences, interpersonal communication, sacred consumption, and playfulness. It's a "brand-free zone," meaning that any commercial brand names, logos, etc. are forbidden from being displayed. This doesn't prevent people from engaging in barter or other forms of trade, nor does it keep them from engaging in displays of "personal brands."

There's a consumer behavior researcher named Rob Kozinets who has written excellent essays & papers about this phenomenon.


Monday, January 31, 2011

The Persuaders

Hi everyone,

Click here if you'd like to re-watch "The Persuaders," learn more about everything they discuss in the program, and/or read analysis of these phenomena from academics, practitioners, and viewers like you!

This website is a great resource, and might help you prep for Wednesday's writing assignment.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

A great example of escalation of commitment




Do you find peanut butter to be really time consuming and/or difficult to use?

If so, you're not alone... and the market has provided an incredible new product to solve your PB woes!

Note: That's NOT my baby.
Photo credit: http://www.ebaumsworld.com/pictures/view/226255/

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Fun stuff about consumer behavior, marketing, and other areas of interest...




*****

What do all these have in common?



(In looking for an image of a zipper, I came across this little gem -- NOTE: Don't click this link if you're squeamish! -- and this, which is lovely.)



Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Information, please...

The consolidated D2L website for both sections of CB should be up and running tomorrow (after some IT process that they'll run overnight).

The textbook will also be on hold in the library after they process it through their system -- maybe tomorrow, definitely by Friday.

Fun stuff to follow in the next blog post...

Cheers!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Welcome to consumer behavior...

...and welcome to Spring 2011!

Please explore this weblog and get familiar with using it. Throughout the semester, you'll be able to find the syllabus, assignment info, due dates, reference materials and all kinds of fun stuff related to marketing right here!

I'm looking forward to getting to know you and learning more about consumer behavior together.

Please let me know if there's anything you'd like to see added to help make this website more interesting, helpful, fun, useful, or in any other way better.

Thank you!
Graham