Week 7

Finally, uploaded the video elevator pitch! Thank God! Yeah! So far, the feedback from friends about the pitch is not too bad...Anyway, it is the only the first day...still have to see response from other users whom we don't know.

This week lesson is about podcasting. I'm don't quite familiar with podcasting so, this time round have to write some lecture stuff to help me remember better. The term 'podcasting' is actually derived from Apple's Ipod illustrating the idea of audio broadcasting to a container or some sort. The value to the users is the provision of platform to broadcast at a cheap cost. This form of value has creates several application of the technology that cater not only for the consumers market but also to the business environment.

The introduction of podcasting has changed the consumer behaviour as broadcasting is not longer a dream to the normal commoner with help of internet. All you need is a microphone (which is really low cost)and a audio editing software(which is free!)to record the audio and upload to any podcasting website and you are done! In fact, there are some website that collate all the popular podcasting websites to make it easier for users to search for their desire podcasting website. For instance, Podcast Alley is one of a kind of podcast directory.

Erm...let's get to the real business application. Very obvious, podcasting technology has created new avenue for businesses to advertise their products and services. It can also be integrated to the organisation management to sort of increasing the efficiency of the organisation. Prof Lee mentioned in the lecture that the good thing about podcasting in an organisation is that staff can actually receive information through podcasting while they are doing their work at the same time. This helps to save time and also convey motivational messages effectively from the very top of the top management to the very bottom of the workforce. There is a video advertisment by Podcast Media Service that illustrates the values and application of Podcast. Perhaps you guys can take a look at it(haha! ignore the marketing gimmicks that the organisation use...look at how they explain Podcast).

Hmm...let's link Podcast back to the business plan that my team intend to propose to the tourism industry people. I have kept on emphasizing the market problem of language barrier in Singapore and I think the idea of getting personalised drivers to interact with the tourists who have specific language need is not going to cause any big disruption in the industry. Instead, we should include podcasting concept to our tourists who are the end-users of our service. This is because language communication is audio in nature! It will become another value-added services. So what i mean? Although our drivers can communicate with the visitors while on the road, within a specific location for instance, Singapore Zoo, vistors will be left alone to move around the Zoo without travel guide. The solution for this is to use digital audio like MP3 that provides information of the animals. This digital audio file can be transferred via USB port of our uDrive computer devices (that are installed at the back of the seat) to their Ipod or portable MP3 players before they even reach the designation.