‘Cola’teral Damage (IIPM-News Article)

Cola War

Perhaps the only grey cloud, in an otherwise clear sky for cola giant Coca Cola could be the frequent charges of environmental hazards and management malpractices against it. Named the world’s most valuable brand for the last three consecutive years by the Interbrand BusinessWeek report, Coca Cola’s reputation has been severely hampered by these accusations. The public onslaught began with the Columbia imbroglio, when Coca Cola was charged with conniving with paramilitary forces to torture and kill workers and union leaders at the Coca Cola bottling plant. A case of human rights violation was filed in 2001. Following a massive public outrage, the University of Michigan and 23 other universities suspended their contracts with Coca Cola (which were renewed in April 2006). Apart from workers rights abuses, Coca Cola also faces allegations of causing ground water depletion and environmental damage in its plants in several countries. In particular, Coca Cola faces the strongest protests due to its plant in Kerala, India due to which the plant was shut down. This verdict has surely rocked the Coca Cola boat which was set to sail smoothly. Perhaps that’s the price Coca Cola has to pay for being so high profile.

For Complete IIPM-Article, Click on IIPM-Editorial Link

Source IIPM-Editorial,2006

Apple's ipod Sales (IIPM-Publication)

Creative Technology has also recommended that Apple’s iPod sales should be henceforth banned in the US. For many, this may seem like yet another case of patent dispute, but very clearly, it is one final survival strategy attempt by the dejected MP3 player manufacturer, whose business has been severely affected due to the iPods selling like hot-cakes. This is despite the Creative Technology MP3 players being comparable to the iPods in terms of quality, features and price, if not better.

For Complete IIPM-Article, Click on IIPM-Editorial Column

Source IIPM-Editorial,2006

Research and Publication, IIPM

Public Sector insurance companies (PSUs), despite their venerable existence in the insurance zone, are trailing behind as consumers lose their belief in them on an inch by inch basis. It’s not surprising then, that PSUs find themselves at the bottom- half of the ladder in home, health, motor and life insurance sectors. All this can be attributed to their sluggish in-house remedial mechanism, and the equally discourteous manners of their employees.


For Complete IIPM-Article, Click On IIPM-Editorial Column

Source IIPM-Editorial,2006

News Channels want to be politically incorrect...

A marketing representative of a news channels (who did not want to be quoted) divulged, “the reason could be that these elections are not much in doubt. The results of the elections are clear and it is apparent that the Congress is not going to win any of the states that are going to polls.” Yeah! and in this corporate age, why would even news channels want to be politically incorrect?

For Complete IIPM-Article, Click on IIPM-News Release

Source IIPM-Editorial,2006