Sunday, December 9, 2012

Module 13-- Changing Company Culture


Last but not least, I am going to use footlocker in closing. My favorite company.

    How open does the company appear to be to the recommendations of a web analyst?

I can see that footlocker is not looking for to many recommendations of a web analyst after all. I did a web search for job opportunities for a web analyst . Although, I did come across a position called Brand Coordinator. 

The Brand Coordinator will be a key member of the marketing team who helps bring to life marketing initiatives that capture consumers’ attention and engage consumers to take action in-stores and online. The role will help define a brand that resonates with youth and works with some of the most famous shoe and apparel companies known worldwide.  This person must be motivated, creative, and inspire a positive working culture, while being knowledgeable about sports, technology, and pop culture.
So with that being said, I am sure that there is some kind of person in position to keep track of the online activity and sales initiatives that are taken place online. Footlocker seems like they get more business and sales results from in-store activity overall.

 Are they a data-driven organization (from what you can tell)?  Why?

Yes, I would say they are data driven due to the fact that they have to get an overall scope of the activity that is taken place in terms of sales and the brand that the company wants to uphold. So, data is being used to execute those results and it is used to keep Footlocker on the right track.

  What are 3 things that you might do to change their company culture to be data-driven (or moreso)?

I would say in store focus should not be there main source of data collection. Customers are shopping virtually online nowadays and I think they should promote that a little more. So just being more data driven online would be one of my recommendations and that can also be an added responsibility for the Brand Coordinator and the team that person works on.

Module 13-- Hiring Analysis


Do some searching on LinkedIn or other resume sites. Select a person who would be a top selection for the job selected previously. In a blog post,
share who you picked and why. 

I picked Douglas Peeples as a selection for this Job. It is a little easier for me because I know him personally (he is my cousin) and I know his work ethic. Douglas is a very open minded individual and he is always looking for solutions. He has a very innovative mindset and he is a great team player. Douglas has ran and organization many cross functional projects that were successful in previous positions and has great leadership ability. I also know that he has a good eye in terms of men fashion and clothing. 

 What skills and experience do they have that fits the job? 

  • Customer and team relationship skills.
  • ·         He has dealt with many cross functional projects and worked on different teams.
  • ·         He is receptive to change.
  • ·         Confident and a well-spoken speaker.
  • ·         Website savvy.
  • ·         Great research techniques.
  • ·         Has held leadership positions.
  • ·         Great feedback from other employers.

 How would you interview them to see if they'd be a good pick? 

  • ·         I will first ask him about his previous positions that he held and elaborate on exactly what he do.
  • ·         Scenario type questions about customer relations.
  • ·         Ask him about a project.
  • ·         Strengths and weakness.
  • ·         Knowledge on Ralph Lauren. 

What particular traits would you look for?

·         Leadership ethics and ability.
  • ·         Team Player ability.
  • ·         Analytical skills, critical thinking, and problem solving ability.
  • ·         Time management.
  • ·         Positive Customer relationship.
  • ·         Enthusiasm.
  • ·         Multi-tasking ability.
  • ·         Open mindedness.

Overall, I think he is fit for the job, and not just because he is my cousin, I just know his worth and efforts.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Module 13-- Web Analytics Job



    Post one you find interesting.

I really want to apply for this job now! But here is the job position that I found very interesting.
Direct Customer Insights Web Analytics for Ralph Lauren Corporation in New York.
 
    Why did you choose this job?

Well, to be completely honest, one of the reasons why I choose this job is because I love the Ralph Lauren Brand. I collect this brand of merchandise and I would be willing to actually get involved with this business, especially if it is something that I like and have a passion for.  By being a customer of my own, I have a broad overview of what a customer would look for as far as the brand is concerned. Another reason why I choose this job is because this will give me an opportunity to apply my critical thinking skills and come up with solutions and strategies to drive the company in the right direction with proper research and technique. If you have a passion for something you are more inclined to do whatever it takes to pose successful outcomes.

    What key skills are required?

Here are a few duties along with some key skills.

  • ·         You have to create partnerships with cross functional and inter-company peers. Having to do that, you must have some strong interpersonal skills and you have to be a great team player.
  • ·         You have to lead the development of actionable customer insights and provide a framework to guide strategic discussion about consumer programs for the Ralph Lauren E-commerce, North American business. So this will require some critical thinking and problem solving skills. Also some strong leadership and communication skills.
  • ·         Drive the overall strategic direction and framework for customer intelligence & web analytics for Ralph Lauren E-commerce, North America. You must have some experience with working with websites, social media sites, and you have to be open-minded.
  •     What would you do to make yourself more attractive for this job?  Share 3 specific activities.
  • ·         Familiarize myself with various websites, website analytic tools, and become more knowledgeable about e-commerce.

·         Showcase my leadership portfolio with my business plan and strategic plan project from my senior year of college.
  • ·         I would also show that I am knowledgeable about Ralph Lauren and the company itself.
  •       Talk about a time when I had to manage a group of people and talk about the positive turnouts.
  • ·         Show that I am driven, dedicated, enthusiastic, and show that I have a passion for success.
  • ·         Talk about a customer experience or when I held a leadership role.
  • ·         Talk about how I love to work with people and how I strive for customer satisfaction.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Module 12-- Distance Learning Case Study


How would you recommend LTU measure the effectiveness of their online learning programs?

I think Lawrence Tech can measure how many students enroll in the online learning program each year. They can also get an overall GPA average of the whole online learning class and measure its effectiveness to in class learning.  They can also compare their online learning programs to other private or technology based universities.

Who are their audiences and what can a good and bad relationship with each do to LTU?

Audiences would be people that serves in the Armed forces, busy parents, or students that live in other countries. Good relationship would result into future students looking more into the programs and you will develop great reviews and feedback on the social media and of course bad relationship would develop bad reviews.

What types of communications does LTU use?

Lawrence tech is now advancing its communication through effective advertisement ( radio commercials, TV, its students itself, Social media.) Counselors in admissions also pub Lawrence Tech out of state and in state at college fairs.

In your personal experience, are the communications effective? Why or why not?

I think so far with my experience here the communication is effective. Even though LTU is a private university they are becoming more universal. I think they cater well to our future student internationally. My communication experience on campus is clear and effective as well. Professors are always keeping us up to date on blackboard and the communication is very effective through email as well. There is always room for improvement though.

Module 12-- Measurement Plan for Higher Learning


I am going to use the school I have chosen for Grad School. Michigan State University.

Use your mission to define your objectives

·         Providing outstanding undergraduate, graduate, and professional education to promising, qualified students in order to prepare them to contribute fully to society as globally engaged citizen leaders.

So an objective may be to provide students with resources for leadership, internship, mentoring and academic programs to mold students into what the school represents. There goals maybe to always find ways to enhance their curriculum and supportive organizations on campus. These students were qualified enough to take this educational opportunity so the schools objective should have plans to provide the best.  

Identify and prioritize your audience

The audience for Michigan State should be all High school students that meet the academic standard for undergraduate programs. They also should look for students that meet the sporting standards being the Michigan State is a part of the big ten. This will definitely help with the stats and standing of the school when they have students representing them academically.

Establish a benchmark & Metrics

Michigan State can benchmark in two ways. They can benchmark by comparing with another big ten school in terms of the effectiveness of the academic programs. They can also compare their sporting activities.

Pick measuring tool

Some measuring tools will be through high school college fairs to see how big of an impact they have on the students. State can also measure the rate of admissions, acceptance, and the percentage rate of graduation. We can have current students, parents, and alumni rate our academic programing through an online survey. They can also measure the overall turn out for  freshmen orientation/ campus visit day and how many students follow through to attend the school

Analyze and make changes

I think the biggest impact on students is there freshmen year. I think Michigan State should analyze how they affect their freshmen each year. They should seek what attracts the freshmen to the school and what programs and activities that keep them engaged. They should analyze academic support programs to see what can be added and what is working for them to help them succeed in there courses.  This will follow them through their remaining years of college.  They should also analyze financial aid support to help students stay in school.