Mass Customization at Taco Bell

Mass Customization at Taco Bell

March 31, 2021
Ross L. Fink, Ph.D.

One of Taco Bell’s newest promotions is the My Cravings Box.

Taco Bell has offered a variety of $5 cravings boxes for several years, as part of its emphasis on value.  The items in the Cravings Boxes have changed over time.  Past offerings have included a Grande Nachos Box, Toasted Cheddar Chalupa Box, and Chalupa Cravings Box (to name a few.)

What makes the My Cravings box so different?

It’s customizable.

Not including beverages, customers can build their meal with 30 different combinations, by selecting from a choice of 5 specialty items, 3 starters, and 2 sides.

In order to customize the Cravings Box, customers must place the order online. There’s an app for that. Selectable items are part of Taco Bell’s normal menu.  Interestingly, it’s possible to create a couple of vegetarian combinations.

Video Spotlight: 

This post is based on the Yahoo! Finance article, Taco Bell Launches $5 ‘Cravings’ Box as Fast Food Races to Be ‘Competitive on Value’, by Brooke DiPalma,  February 13, 2021; the My Cravings Box page from TacoBell.com; Continue reading →

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Setting Priorities for COVID-19 Vaccine Administration

Setting Priorities for COVID-19 Vaccine Administration

March 7, 2021
Ross L. Fink, Ph.D.

Setting the priority as to the order in which people will receive a COVID-19 vaccine has received a great deal of attention.  The decision comes down to setting priorities for different groups.

In other words, the decisions are about queue discipline for selection of people waiting in line. Different priorities can result in different outcomes.  In addition, public perception must be considered when setting the queue discipline.

In the US, the CDC has provided guidelines as to the priorities that different populations will have in receiving a vaccine.  These guidelines are not binding on the states, which are responsible for administering vaccines.  However, most states follow some variation of CDC guidelines.

The guidelines start with phase 1a, which includes healthcare workers and long-term care residents.  Phase 1b covers “frontline essential workers,” and those aged 75 and older.  Phase 1c covers adults age 65-74, individuals with underlying medial issues, and “other essential workers.”  Phase 2 covers the remaining population, with possible future guidance from the CDC.

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This post is based on the Continue reading →

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Amazon One Lets You Pay With Your Hands

Amazon One Lets You Pay With Your Hands

December 1, 2020
Ross L. Fink, Ph.D.

How you pay for your items in retail stores is changing.

Walmart is promoting the use of its app to create a contactless payment.  Simply scan your items at any checkout lane, and then use the app on your smartphone.  Hold your phone over the QR code on the register and the app will bill your credit, debit, or gift card.  This helps create a hands-free payment.

Amazon is taking contactless payment one step further.

With the introduction of Amazon One, you no longer need your wallet or smartphone.  Simply hold your hand over a scanner, and you’re identified through the use of biometrics which are linked to your credit or debit card to pay for your purchases.

Amazon has introduced this technology at two of its Amazon Go stores.  The plan is to introduce it at additional Amazon Go stores, and to make it available to other retailers.

Video Spotlight: Amazon One: an easier way through your day (Sept 29, 2020, amazon)

This post is based on the Texarkana Gazette article, The Midas Touch: Amazon Imagines A World Where You Pay with Your Hand. Privacy Experts Aren’t So Sure, Continue reading →

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