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"The End of Oil", 2008.
A review of the book "The End of Oil" by Paul Roberts.
3,336 words (approx. 13.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 95.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a critical review of Paul Roberts book, "The End of Oil". The paper relates that Roberts' book begins with a candid series of observations that while realistic, are also gloomy. The paper summarizes these observations and then discusses another contention made by Roberts regarding the problems with the world's energy economy. The paper also discusses some of the solutions to the world's energy economy that Roberts makes and points out some of the problems with these solutions. Lastly, the paper discusses the Bush administration's energy policies according to Roberts and concludes with a reference to Robert's concern about what will happen in the Middle East if and when the Saudi crown prince dies. He is a close ally of the U.S., but upon his death, there will be a power struggle in Saudi Arabia, and some experts are convinced that a very anti-American power structure could emerge that could cut the U.S. out of oil.
From the Paper
"Meanwhile, Roberts' book begins with a candid series of observations that while realistic, are also gloomy. In his Prologue, Roberts points out that the Middle East countries are engaged in a "perpetual state of political instability, ethnic conflict, and virulent nationalism" - and oil is at the center of this chaos. The war that the U.S. launched in 2003 in Iraq - ostensibly to remove Saddam Hussein from power - was, Roberts insists, whether "openly acknowledged or not...clearly meant to restore Middle Eastern stability and maintain Western access to a steady supply of oil." The suspicion by Roberts and many others that the current executive branch had a secret oil agenda is given credibility by the fact that the vice president, Dick Cheney, was recently the CEO of Halliburton, an oil service giant, a company in fact that was given billions in no-bid contracts to work in Iraq following the toppling of Saddam."
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Organizational Ethics Issues Resolution, 2008.
A review of the neglect of management integrity capacity with particular reference to the Enron debacle.
1,553 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how the Enron debacle that occurred in late 2001 illustrated how an ethically unsound business can have devastating and widespread effects on the international business community. The paper continues and reiterates that the reason for the collapse of Enron was an absence of ideation and practice of ethical values. Market failure occurred due to information asymmetries, in which unfairness of the imbalance exceeded simple competitive advantage, while compromising the rights of others. The paper states that six ethical decision-making steps can be applied to the organizational ethics issue of Enron in order to further understand the process involved in solving ethical issues.
Outline:
Issue Clarification
Stakeholder Analysis
Values Identification
Issue Resolution
Addressing Objections
Resolution Implementation
From the Paper
"The collapse of Enron at the end of 2001 resulted in the second largest corporate bankruptcy in American history to date. The fraudulent practices of Enron executives resulted in stakeholder betrayals (Petrick & Scherer, 2003). Stakeholders were deceived by Enron executives, betrayals which contravene any ethical code. This choice among Enron executives to betray stakeholders in order to promote short term financial gain resulted in the destruction of their own personal and business reputations, exposure to the possibility of criminal and civil prosecution, as well as bankruptcy. Stakeholders, including institutional and individual investors, were misinformed regarding the financial stability of Enron due to fraudulent accounting practices, and this resulted in a loss of millions of dollars. Secondary and tertiary stakeholders were also negatively affected by the Enron scandal. For example, Enron executives placed pressure on accounting and law firms to partake in unethical practices in order to accrue short term, temporary gain."
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Human Resource Challenges in the Airline Industry, 2008.
A look at the challenges facing divisions of human resource management within the airline industry and some possible solutions to these challenges.
1,255 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses five of the challenges faced by human resource management in the airline industry. The paper relates that these challenges include the need to ensure cost effectiveness, recruit and retain qualified employees, maintain employee satisfaction, and maintain union relations. The paper discusses each of these challenges and investigates them in relation to certain issues within the airline industry.
From the Paper
"Another key issue faced by the airline industry is the use of contingent workforces. This is an issue that is not unique to the airline industry, but instead is on the forefront of all service industries. Contingent employees include "independent contractors, leased employees, freelancers, temporary workers and seasonal employees (Pratt, 2002)", which are willing to work in positions within the airline industry for monetary compensation only, without any benefits. The utilization of the contingent workforce may especially be desirable to the low cost/ no frills airlines since it generally results in the maintenance of a flexible staff while still acquiring the personnel and expertise required (Pratt, 2002). The human resource challenges most involved in this issue are the recruitment and retention of qualified employees. The fact that contingent employees do not receive benefits beyond monetary compensation may make these positions less desirable than positions where these individuals perform the same job for the same pay, but also receive benefits."
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Human Factors in Technology, 2008.
A discussion on how best to introduce new products to customers and how technology impacts the customer when the new products are introduced.
1,567 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 13 sources, APA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper defines the impact of technology on customers when a company introduces a new product that delivers significant value due to a new technology being deployed. Also included in this paper is the structure and outline of a support plan specifically for customers who are looking to gain greater insight and use of the new product(s). In addition, the role of technology partnerships in delivering value and enhancing customer's experiences are also explored. For purposes of this example, an order capture system being installed in a company's partner relationship management (PRM) portal is profiled.
Outline:
Summary
Introducing New Products to Customers
Adding Value through new Technologies
Defining Support Plans
Creating New Partnerships that Deliver Customer Value
From the Paper
"Despite this top-down support on many organizations, the NPDI process, the majority of the time, fails to deliver the results necessary for companies to achieve their sales and profit goals. Product introductions fail due to being late to market or missing demand, 30% fail due to product quality, and 17% fail due to a lack of product availability. The product launch is the moment of truth for any new product development effort, and from the statistics from Burkett, show that there is a major disconnect between systems in many companies that need to communicate to enable a successful launch. While the pace and focus of many companies is markedly different, there is one constant, and that is both have automated and standardized new product development processes, which is best practices in the new product development process according to Aberdeen Research."
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Organizational Communications, 2008.
Uses a memo format to explain why employees should adopt a more active approach to communication.
850 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in organizations, communication represents the basis for performance. The writer suggests that the main barriers to communication between departments are personal agendas and differences in perceptions. The writer then points out that these barriers can be overcome through strong leadership and support of the change process by employing open communication at all levels of staff and by encouraging interaction and feedback.
Table of Contents:
Factors Determining Passivity in the Communication Process
Action Course to Stimulate Active Communication
From the Paper
"The focus on a personal agenda is one of the main barriers in the communication between departments. Members of each team keep in mind their personal interests and objectives, or those of their own department, and fail to listen what the others have to say. This leads to a limited perspective of the respective teams regarding the overall mission and strategy of the organization, and to a decrease in performance due to duplication of processes and lack of synergy. The impact on the organization is negative."
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Foreign Currency Loans, 2008.
This paper discusses the risks and benefits associated with foreign currency loans.
829 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how foreign exchange loans always present a risk to the borrower. The paper focuses on a case involving the American Rondo Company taking out a foreign currency loan with the Swiss Bank. The paper relates that if the Rondo company is careful to monitor and evaluate changes in the market, or it goes through a managed foreign currency loan, many of these risks can be reduced, if not eliminated.
From the Paper
"A foreign currency loan is a loan in which is repayable in a currency other than the currency of the country in which the borrower is a resident in. In the Rondo Company case sample, the company has a financing option to take out a foreign currency loan with the Swiss Bank. Typically the interest rate charged on a foreign currency loan is based on the interest rates applicable to the currency that the loan is denominated, or issued, (in this case, the Swiss Franc) and not the interest rates that apply to the currency of the borrower's country of residency (The U.S. Dollar). Under this scenario, the foreign currency loan with the Swiss Bank could be beneficial because the interest rate on the foreign currency in which the loan is based on is significantly lower than the rate that the borrower can get on a loan borrowed in his or her own resident country's currency system."
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The Florida Homeowners' Insurance Crisis, 2008.
This paper explores the problems affecting Florida's insurance industry as it relates to homeowners' policies.
3,039 words (approx. 12.2 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 89.95
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Abstract
The paper presents a detailed examination of the insurance industry as it has been impacted by the Florida homeowners' insurance crisis over the past two decades. The paper explores the crisis itself, the impact it has on the overall insurance industry and the insurance commission. The paper also explores the principles of business management, business law and economics as they pertain to this topic. The paper concludes that changing business laws to mandate stronger property construction, providing methods for acceptable premium increases and public education with regard to the crisis and the needed solutions are all elements of an overall way to handle the crisis.
Outline:
Introduction
The Crisis
Solutions
Conclusion
From the Paper
"While Florida has always had to contend with the occasional natural disaster, the past decade has been an almost constant stream of them. Hurricanes, tornadoes and floods have battered the Sunshine State over and over again leaving behind a path of death and destruction.
"When the disaster hits the media rushes to pipe video streams into living rooms across the nation depicting the horror of it all, but inevitably once the news crews have left and the sensationalism has ended, those who live there are left to deal with the reality of what has happened."
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Organizational Technology Plan, 2008.
A review of General Electric and the PRM system as applied to resellers who were in the lesser populated regions of France, Germany and England.
2,845 words (approx. 11.4 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 84.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses that, for manufacturing and service companies alike, the ability to quickly respond to the needs of their organizations' sales forces is critical to their immediate competitive strength and long-term financial viability. The paper states that even for the largest manufacturers, the aspect of their managing their direct and indirect sales forces is one of the most challenging aspects of their business to manage. The paper discusses how given how critical these indirect channels are for creating revenue, it is surprising how many companies rely on manually-based processes to work with these critical channel partners. The paper states that channel partners are a vital link to entirely new segments of customers, and as a result, the insightful additions of key technologies to these selling networks, are essential for companies to grow globally. The paper concludes that for purposes of the analysis, examples from General Electrics' (GE) lighting division are used ,to both show how domestically and internationally this division uses information technologies to support business strategies.
Outline:
Overview
Current Technology Assessment
Partner And Channel Product And Services Certification Training
Expediting Special Pricing Requests
Value Chain Analysis
Managing Change
Social Contract
Global Issues
Conclusion
From the Paper
"GE Lighting chose to go to a hosted PRM solution as they wanted to globally launch this strategy, and hosted applications accessible through web browsers anywhere at anytime was the best implementation strategy overall. The second strategy was to re-vamp their order capture website and order management systems that tied back to their ERP system. This second project focuses on coordinating all inbound orders and creating a multi-channel management system capable of giving an identical response to an inquiry from a customer, no matter which channel the customer chooses to use. This necessitated creating more reliable links to their ERP system so pricing, availability, order status, returns processing and warranty management could all be handled more efficiently than through separate systems. For GE Lighting, selling into Europe presented even greater challenges of becoming and staying demand or market-driven as there are entrenched competitors including Phillips Lighting and smaller competitors by country, many of which had partner relationship management and order management systems in place that had become part of how their channel partners, direct sales force, and resellers did business."
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Organizational Philosophies & Technologies, 2008.
This paper discusses using technologies to set and manage ethical standards.
938 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that there has been a crisis of confidence in corporate ethics in the last ten years, and as a result, legislation continues to be used as the mechanism to bring trust back into business. The writer notes that many argue that Sarbanes-Oxley legislation has actually taken the price of doing business significantly up, enriching Indian Business Process Outsourcing companies by 30% revenue growth, in the process. The issue of corporate responsibility, the extent of its existence and what ideally corporate ethical responsibility should be are examined.
Outline:
Defining Ethical Responsibility
Enforcing Corporate Responsibility
Sarbanes-Oxley is Redefining Corporate Ethics and Responsibility
From the Paper
"At the center of corporate ethical responsibility is a focus by organizations on the extent to which their decisions impact buyers, suppliers, customers, prospects, employees and stake holders. The essence of corporate ethical responsibility is the embracing of strategies that are transparent, easily accounted for and free from conflicts of interest.
"The transparency aspect of corporate ethics however was lacking in many corporations who found through sophisticated trading and fund management that synthetic, not real, financial results could be created to give the illusion of greater profits, growth and earning potential. Starting with Enron and proceeding through a litany of corporate scandals including Adelphia, MCI WorldCom, Tyco and many others, the US Congress felt it necessary to legislate corporate responsibility and ethics in the form of laws."
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Human Factors in Technology, 2008.
An examination of the human factors that affect the introduction of a new system into an organization.
2,139 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 66.95
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Abstract
This paper defines a series of recommendations for introducing and implementing a new system throughout an organization. It focuses specifically on the human factors of introducing a new system and analyzes theories of change management. The paper makes recommendations specifically for using business process management (BPM) for accomplishing lasting change throughout any organization implementing a new system.
Table of Contents:
Summary
Change Management Forms The Foundation of Lasting System Performance
Selecting a Change Management Model
Creating a Change Management Plan
Measure, Monitor and Modify Change Management Strategies
Contingency Strategies Impact Project, Implementation and Training Programs
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Implementing significant change is a massive undertaking from a cultural perspective for many companies. When one considers how many IT projects never achieve critical mass and become business strategies, the role of change management becomes central to any development effort. As many researchers have shown, infusing ownership in programs and initiatives is critical to their success. That is the essence of turning projects into strategies.
Change management strategies need to form the foundation of project plans, implementation plans, training plans, and support strategies. Infusing each of these plans with the Voice of the Customer (VoC) through the use of Advisory Councils will ensure that the users who will make or break the new systems' success are actively involved in its development. Project plans need to include milestones where the direction of the project is evaluated and if necessary, re-focused to the needs of users. The same is true of implementation and training plans as well. The needs of users and the use of change management strategies as defined in this paper need to define which information is shared. The critical requirements of training plans and support strategies, also predicated on the needs of users, also needs to form the foundation for change if the system being implemented will succeed."
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Attraction and Retention of Top Business Talent, 2008.
A review of the human resource's role in the attraction and retention of top talent in the workforce, in the Middle East.
2,076 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
The research proposed in this work centers on the Middle Eastern organization's preparedness or lack of preparedness in addressing the growing problem of a talent shortage evidenced in countries throughout the world. While some countries have proactively prepared for the talent shortage in the workforce, others have not and this seems to be the case in countries in the Middle East. This work proposes research in this area among a sampling of human resource executives in Middle Eastern organizations in the attempt to assess what can and should be done to address the talent shortage problem. An extensive review of literature finds that government and organizations must align with schools and educational institution to promote training and education in order to turnout a higher-skilled and higher-educated workforce for the future.
Outline:
Introduction
Purpose of the Study
Research Questions
Significance of the Study
Methodology
Literature Review
Findings of the Study
Recommendations for Future Research
From the Paper
"These salary increases however, are primarily at the lower level skills particularly those that are noted to be in the 25 to 50% range with higher level skills employee salary growing within the normal 10 to 12% range over the past decade. Competition for skilled labor is stated to be: "...intense as countries push ahead with ambitious economic development plans..." and this is a time of great opportunities for executives "to shape company decisions and have a tangible impact as compared to larger firms." (Iran International, 2007) One factor spoken of in this same report is what is termed to be: "...the sub-continental pull." One point made in this report is that if companies are to retain employees they must join the movement of offering "timely career opportunities" as well as becoming "much more responsive with their policies towards remuneration and reward in order to attack and retain the most talented professionals." (Ibid) The report concludes by stating that companies need to put talent management and employee development at the top of their corporate priority."
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B2B Internet Site Proposal, 2008.
A review of the design of a website for the Bumble Products and Services Company, which has the flexibility in content to be synchronized with customers systems and requirements.
3,160 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 91.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses a proposal to define the development process, testing, training, and introduction of an enterprise-class portal for use by Bumble Products and Services Company (BP&S), to sell enterprise software specifically tailored to the B2B marketplace. This paper focuses on the CRM Division of BP&S, which has the mission of delivering state-of-the-art customer relationship management applications over the Internet. The paper reviews available website providers and concludes that the unique needs of this specific division of BP&S should be internally developed. The paper recommends a "build" decision.
Outline:
Business Model is Annuity Based
Mission of the Website
Introduction
Main Section
SWOT Analysis
Stakeholders Involved
Organizational Structure of Project
Project Deliverables as Required
Development Methodology Adopted
Identified Risks & Mitigation Strategies
Ethical & Legal Aspects Involved
Quality Assurance Processes
Marketing Plans
From the Paper
"A secondary series of benefits from adopting the SDLC Model to software development is that the process of building software to the model allow for early identification of technical and management issues, disclosure of all life cycle costs to guide business decisions, and the fostering of realistic expectations of what systems will and will not provide. There is also the ability through the use of the model to define the relative level of progress of initial software development, and the ensuing quality levels of performance. Finally, the SDLC Model also leads to greater alignment of software application features with customer requirements."
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Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), 2008.
Looks at the operations approaches that made Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) a leading global manufacturer.
1,680 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, of all the factors that have lead to Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) becoming one of the leading global manufacturers, their approach to managing their supply chain using the Toyota Production System (TPS) to synchronize with suppliers and production centers is the most significant. The author points out that Toyota dominates the global auto market due to their ability to quickly have suppliers respond to the demands they are under for fulfilling production levels based on unique customer requirements. The paper relates that the collaborative aspects of the globally deployed TPS make it possible for Toyota to maintain a consistently high level of supplier quality throughout the production processes of dozens of models globally.
Table of Contents:
Change That Made TMC a Very Successful Global Player
Order-to-Cash Fulfillment Cycles
Supply chain Synchronization with Sources of Demand Standardization of Customer Service Processes
Redefining Inventory Strategies
Best practices in Service Lifecycle Management
Best Manufacturing Practices: Accurately Sensing and Responding To Demand
Table: Lean Manufacturing Product Customization Strategies
Table: Measuring Lean Manufacturer's Contribution to Customer-facing Strategies
Summary
From the Paper
"By Toyota combining lean manufacturing concepts and their TPS system, six major process areas emerge as the core strengths of their unique sourcing and production strategies. The following are six process areas where best practices-level performance is being attained by Toyota. In focusing only on these areas, Toyota is looking to increasing the speed and flexibility they fulfill the demand for their product and services which is by definition the essence of accomplishing lean manufacturing strategies."
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The Boise-Cascade/OfficeMax Acquisition, 2008.
This paper examines Boise-Cascade's strategic acquisition of OfficeMax, the paper products retailer.
1,064 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
The paper reveals that the merger of the two companies Boise-Cascade and OfficeMax improved the images and stock prices of both companies. The paper also explains that by possessing the name and the brand loyalty of OfficeMax, Boise-Cascade acquired new consumer capital and expanded its distribution arm. The paper explains further that for OfficeMax, being acquired by a company of the size and purchasing power of Boise-Cascade gave it the revenue, platform and impetus to improve its image and rival other fierce competitors.
From the Paper
"Boise Cascade or OfficeMax? What name is more resonant to your consumer-savvy ears? Very likely, the latter, brand name of the famous office supply retailer is more familiar, even though it is a relatively smaller company. In fact, OfficeMax was acquired by a giant paper manufacturing and timber milling corporation in 2001, according to the Idaho Business Review. According to the homepage of the behemoth, acquiring entity, "Boise manufactures engineered wood products, plywood, lumber, and particleboard and distributes a broad line of building materials. The company also manufactures specialty and premium paper products, printing and converting papers, containerboard and corrugated boxes, newsprint, and market pulp" (Boise Cascade, Homepage, 2007). On the eve of the acquisition, Boise Cascade's stock price was strong for a company of its size and type. It was trading in the $24-to-$25 range, but there were fears that the company was slowly faltering."
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Culture in Brand Building in the Chinese Market, 2008.
A brief insight regarding the influence of culture on brand building in the Chinese market.
2,198 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 23 sources, APA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the Chinese market which is rapidly changing in light of the increasingly global market place. The paper states that the economic boom in China's urban areas is creating a new consumer culture where the consumer has more disposable income, which has affected consumer preferences within the Chinese marketplace. The paper states that the result is that a sophisticated Chinese consumer is emerging and foreign companies need to market to their sophisticated needs, while at the same time marketing to the general population's needs. The paper states that the most effective way for a company to build a strong brand name in the rapidly emerging Chinese market is to adapt itself to the rapidly changing Chinese culture. The paper concludes that despite the numerous challenges that the Chinese market presents, a company can be successful if it spends the time and resources necessary to gain an in-depth understanding of the local culture and the Chinese consumer's attitudes and thus becomes prepared to cope with the many unexpected intricacies of the Chinese marketplace.
Outline:
Introduction
Understanding Cultural Issues
Collective Society
Brand Perception
Language
Aesthetic Sense
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The Chinese people carry with them a strong aesthetic sense, based on their perceptions of nature. To the Chinese consumer, in general, images of the natural form are highly attractive. For example, mountains and animals are often used in association with brand names in order to create attractive brand imagery and visual displays. On the other hand, abstract symbols are not favored as they are inconsistent with the Chinese cultural preference for natural aesthetics. Further more, the marketer needs to understand that the Chinese people enjoy complicated forms and shapes and certain colors. For example, the color red is seen as being the most cheerful color and thus can be successfully used to attract people's attention. Another example is the Chinese preference for peaceful imagery, largely a result of the influence of such religions as Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. When a company is designing a strategy for marketing their brand in the Chinese marketplace, all of these aesthetic considerations must be made. Therefore, it is important to use specific colors and imagery in order to strengthen the brand's market presence and thus increase overall company profits."
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Assessing Microsoft's Future, 2008.
This paper provides an assessment of Microsoft's future, looking at its strengths and weaknesses.
881 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that Microsoft today is more challenged than ever before in several major areas of its business. The most significant risk is in its server and enterprise divisions due to the widespread adoption of open source operating systems throughout enterprise accounts, which is the main source of revenue for Microsoft in their operating systems business. The writer also points out that the several threats that Google poses to Microsoft are just as significant yet have implications for the company's search, advertising revenue and increasingly, office productivity products including Microsoft Office. In addition, the writer discusses that Microsoft's lack of ability to deliver products on schedule and the scrapping of the early edition of the Windows Vista operating system in 2005 only to completely re-write and release it by 2007 illustrates the company's difficulty in synchronizing the efforts of thousands of developers. The writer maintains that Microsoft is clearly at a crossroads in its future direction based on the escalating competitive threats externally and the apparent lack of synchronization internally. All of these factors contribute to an uncertain future for Microsoft today. This paper includes PDF links to references.
Outline:
Still Strong in Core Businesses
Microsoft's Weaknesses
Microsoft's Critical Decisions
Summary
From the Paper
"First and foremost the lack of adoption for the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system, and the lack of consistent adoption across all customer segments, is a major concern within the company today. Microsoft has not successfully positioned Windows Vista as fulfilling the integration and interoperability needs of enterprises; yet it has successfully communicated security features as part of the unique value proposition of the Vista operating system. Second, both the Xbox 360 and Windows Vista product development cycles were each delayed, eroding consumer confidence in the gaming system and leading to longer evaluation cycles for the operating system in enterprise accounts globally. Third, the company's struggles in the areas ensuring its pricing models are specifically how difficult they are to implement in enterprise accounts is an area that needs to be addressed. Finally both the geo-political stance of the European Union and the U.S. Department of Justice have created difficult competitive dynamics for Microsoft, as have what appears to be organizational entropy, or the lack of being able to stay as agile as the company once was, according to Credit Suisse."
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BHP Billiton, 2008.
A look at strategic management and business policy for BHP Billiton.
905 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper relates that, in strategic management, mergers and acquisitions are generally done with the motivation of company and revenue growth. The paper then looks at how, for this reason in particular, BHP Billiton, already significant in size as the world's largest mining company, offered Rio Tinto an initial takeover fee of $127 billion. The paper also discusses how a merger would significantly increase not only BHP's size, but also its worldwide power and control over commodity markets. The paper then examines the implications of such a takeover for both stakeholders and investors.
From the Paper
"Indeed, there has been considerable controversy relating to the offer in terms of the global commodities market, with particular focus on the iron ore market, precisely because of the monopoly issue. BHP needs to obtain approval from antimonopoly authorities for the planned merger, as BHP and Rio already control about three quarters of global iron ore exports. With news of BHP's offer to Rio Tinto, Iron ore buyers in China, Japan and South Korea have suggested that regulators should block the proposed deal. On the other hand, it is also suggested that iron ore shortages are likely to result in price increases of more than 50 percent for the steelmaking companies involved (Arnold). Mr. Kloppers traveled to the three objecting parties to attempt to negotiate approval with them."
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Introduction to Sustainability, 2008.
This essay gives an overview to sustainability by defining it, providing examples and showing the importance of 'going green' in current society.
1,847 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper gives an introduction to sustainability. It defines some of the major terms relating to sustainability and discusses the benefits of going into sustainable practices. The paper relates, for example, that in many instances using sustainable practices can save money and allow the reuse of materials that in the past were discarded and sent to the landfills. It also discusses the certification process of becoming a qualified sustainable business and gives business profiles of certain companies that are 'going green'.
From the Paper
"Just about any day of the week a person can pick up the daily newspaper or go online and find articles about companies that are showing signs - directly or in terms of strategic planning - of supporting sustainability within their own corporate framework or elsewhere in the world. For example, in April, 2008 Marriott Corporation announced that it has pledged $2 million in order to protect a rainforest in Brazil. This money will go to the 'Amazons sustainable Foundation,' which oversees the protection efforts of 1.4 million acres of the rainforest.
"The article appeared in GreenBiz.com and points out that hotel guests ad Marriott Hotels will soon have technologies in their rooms that will allow them to calculate and pay the cost of the greenhouse gas emissions that are associated with their hotel stay, the article explains. The money they elect to contribute - based on their carbon footprint during they stay - will go into the fund to support the rainforest sustainability efforts."
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Project Management in the Oil Industry, 2008.
This paper analyzes how to accomplish successful project management in order to create a smooth transition of an oil refinery company's operating activities into a newly created subsidiary.
1,463 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the importance and implementation of successful project management in order to transfer an oil refinery company's operating activities into a newly created subsidiary as well as to transform the crux of the business activity from cost to a profit center. In general, this paper describes project management as the discipline of organizing and managing resources, including people, in a manner that allows for the project to be completed within a defined scope, quality, time and cost constraints. Specifically, this paper defines the specific objectives of project management, such as ensuring optimized allocation and integration of all the inputs needed in order to meet the previously defined objectives, including the previously defined constraints. Also, the paper looks at successful methods of management, such as the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK) method, in which the project manager is responsible for supervising the activities and resources of the project to ensure that it is completed within the given constraints. Further, it examines Tom Robinette's equal triangle approach for working with the constraints of budget, project scope and timeline.
Outline:
Introduction
Project Integration Management
Basic Requirements
PMBOK
The Project Manager
Traditional Approach
Core KA
Functional Control
Human Resources
Project Management Essentials
Facilitating KA
Competing Constraints
Equal Triangle Approach
Role of Technology
Conclusion
From the Paper
"To do this, the project manager must understand the real business problem that is being solved, create a solution for the problem, and then create a project team capable of implementing that solution. Further, it is essential that the project manager ensure that his or her team is committed to the project. To do this, the project manager must work with the team member's individual manager and take the necessary steps to ensure that all milestones and deliverables are being met. More so, using such external motivators as cash, especially when connected to performance reviews, is, according to Robinette, 'always a great motivator'."
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