Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that the story of Arista and its founders appear to embody the ideals of the American paradigm in that founder Clive Davis turned personal misfortune into one of the most prosperous record labels available today. The writer notes that that Arista Records was founded by Clive Davis in 1974, who, through innovation and an adherence to his personal values in the face of criticism, built the label of Arista to sky-rocketing success. Further, the writer maintains that it is precisely this success that helped the company survive in spite of disasters such as the Milli Vanilli scandal. The writer concludes that in general, it appears that Arista Records enjoys a very prominent position in the music industry, and that the company is likely to continue in its success for many years into the future.
From the Paper "Issues such as the above-mentioned Milli Vanilli scandal and Reid's termination for poor financial management tend to be a detriment for the company's public image. Internal decision-making appears to require attention, as ill-advised decisions such as those mentioned above tend to result in significantly greater risks than are strictly necessary. In the company's future, therefore, it could be recommended that BMG and Arista work more closely in decisions made for the label itself. Like the Milli Vanilli scandal, however, it appears that Arista possesses a sufficient amount of internal strength to mitigate possible weaknesses in its decision-making process. Indeed, the continued support and revenue from the label's association with names such as Whitney Houston and Jermaine Dupri more than mitigates any damage from such elements."
Abstract This paper looks at the importance of strategic management within the music industry, focusing on the Arista Records company. The paper discusses the importance of factors such as strategic alliances, eliminating unnecessary drains upon the budget, protecting the company from threats such as piracy and illegal copyright practices and finally, maintaining its favorable image with the public. The paper reveals that Arista's future in terms of strategic alliance, budget control and innovative products appears to be bright. The paper shows how, as part of a larger conglomerate, the company seems to be aware of the importance of strategic alliances that can be used as a vehicle for further innovative ideas and a concomitant increase in revenue.
From the Paper "In creating strategic alternatives for a company, it is important to take into account the various challenges and dynamics of the current business world. Particularly, it is also important that the company focus on the specific industry within which they function, and how they can best use industry developments in order to create a sound strategic management program. Functioning within the music industry, Arista Records is no exception to this paradigm."
"The music industry has seen rapid and extreme changes over the decades since the 1950's. Vinyl records have for example been replaced by CD's, which has been supplemented by digital music technology. On the industry scale, large conglomerates such as Sony and BMG have begun to monopolize the industry, making competition and market entry difficult for small-scale companies without affiliations with large-scale conglomerates."
Abstract In this article, the writer explains that a "SWOT" analysis is usually performed when managers wish to determine their company's current position in the market. The writer notes that the acronym refers to the four areas of "strengths", "weaknesses", "opportunities" and "threats". Such an analysis on Arista Records shows its current position, so that the company's managers and associates can determine what is needed for optimal future development. The writer points out that it can therefore be regarded as a key strategy in ensuring a company's current well-being and future survival. In conclusion, the writer maintains that it appears that Arista's strengths and opportunities are in a strong position to mitigate its weaknesses and threats. If the balance between the four SWOT elements is handled correctly, the writer claims that the label is likely to survive for a long time to come.
From the Paper "In terms of weaknesses, it appears that Arista Records tends to make ill-advised executive decisions that have a detrimental effect not only on the company's cash flow, but also on its public image. One of these apparently bad choices appears to be replacing Clive Davis with Antonio Reid. Clive Davis contributed a personal, traditional touch to the company by working personally with each artist to ensure his or her optimal development and talent. According to reports, Davis had particular talent in this area, and was therefore responsible for the company's initial success."
"While Reid, according to Jet (2004), is reported in being responsible for high-profile careers such as those of TLC, Toni Braxton and Pink, a fundamental flaw in his management strategy was overspending."
Abstract This paper discusses and reviews Nancy Dickenson Hazard 2004 article, "Global Health Issues and Challenges" which presents an overview of a number of Arista conferences held in various world regions. Participants identified global issues and conditions which affect nursing. They also focused on strategic actions for the nursing profession and on recommendations for actions aimed at creating healthy communities. The paper explains that Hazard's article was presented as an executive summary and synthesis of the reports made from the various Arista conferences.
Abstract This paper explains that Bertelsmann, a non-public stock corporation with earnings of $1.28 billion on revenues of $21.17 billion with a strong cash position, is well known for its music labels, such as Arista and Columbia, the publishing houses,such as Random House, Dell, Doubleday and Ballatine and, less well known to Americans, the television and radio networks, an extensive list of newspapers and magazines in Europe and many other types of holdings. The author points out that the most significant recent development within Bertelsmann has been the 2004 merger of BMG with Sony Music Entertainment, which includes some of the most important labels in the music business and has a stable of many of today's most prominent artists. The paper relates that Sony BMG is being sued alleging that they tricked gospel music artists into firing their agents in order to reduce costs and maintain control over these artists; if the court decision is unfavorable, the suit could cost them millions of dollars and cause adverse publicity especially since gospel music is one of the fastest-growing segments of the music industry.
Table of Contents
History
Financial Condition of Company
Financial Ratios
Other Factors in Assessment of Company's Health
Problem Area
Key Management Initiative
From the Paper "Bertelsmann appears to be healthy in terms of short term liquidity. The Acid Test Ratio is normal for companies of this size and the Current Ratio is higher than normal and indicates that the company should have no trouble meeting short term financial commitments. The capital structure ratios also appear to indicate that the company is able to finance operations, but does not have too large exposure in terms of debt. The Return on Assets and Return on Investment are also strong, although there was a downturn in 2003. This was most likely due to higher interest expenses and a charge for amortization of goodwill."
Abstract The paper discusses Dickenson-Hazard's thesis that nursing has a preferred future and is identified by four components. This theses states that although there are formidable issues and challenges to creating that future, there also are potential strategies for realizing it. The thesis author's intention is to "describe issues, challenges, and potential strategies in achieving nursing's global preferred future, focused on promoting healthy communities worldwide." The paper explains that the argument consists of the conclusions reached in seven Arista conferences which were sponsored by the Sigma Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
Abstract This paper discusses the war with Mexico started in 1846 and ended in 1848. It focuses on Otis Singletary's work, "The Mexican War" and how he details the events leading up to this war as America invaded Mexico. The paper describes the content of the book and then reviews Singletary's approach to the content matter and its presentation.
Table of Contents:
The Coming of the War
The Invasion of Northern Mexico
Thrust to the Pacific
To the City of Mexico
Politicians and Generals
The Hidden War
The Diplomacy of War
Review
From the Paper "The approach is chronological but also based on larger patterns and what they indicate about the battle. The author sometimes gets lost in what seem to be peripheral issues, though he later ties them into the main thrust of his narrative and does so in a way that makes the reader see why this approach was taken. The documentation is not as clear in the body of the book as it is in the bibliography, where the author suggests the use of both primary and secondary sources and a reliance on other accounts by other historians. However, this documentation is not made by means of footnotes that would enable the reader to trace the source of any particular bit of information as clearly as might be done. Overall, the book is a good synthesis of research and a clear detailing of the people and events involved in the Mexican War."
