Abstract Massive corporate mergers are becoming increasingly commonplace in 21st-century America. As one huge merger follows another, the benefits for owners and investors are obvious. The paper argues, however, that for our society as a whole, the consequences seem far less beneficial. When too many large corporations merge, competition is reduced, consequently denying consumers a variety of benefits that they are entitled to in our allegedly free market system. The paper argues that the lack of price reduction and innovation are the two most prominent detriments to society in the face of these industry oligarchies. Because one company owns many businesses, the businesses are all run in virtually the same way, leaving very little room for creativity or competition.
From the Paper "Time Warner's recent merger with Turner broadcasting created the largest media company in the world. It now owns cable distribution, cable channels, production, music publishing, book and magazine publishing, retail interests, film production and theater chains. An example of possible problems: the 1996 controversy over Time Warner's cable provider not wanting to distribute Fox's 24 hour news channel, a competitor with Turner's CNN. Another example is The Disney/Cap Cities/ABC merger, which combines cable, merchandising, theme park, production, film and local media outlets (Barnou, 1999)."
The paper discusses the impact of the events of 9/11 on the US economy, looking at such important issues as consumer spending, airline industry, investment and unemployment.
Abstract This paper discusses the impact of September 11 tragedy on the economic conditions of the United States. The author examines how the economy, which had showed a dismal performance for three consecutive quarters before September, completely collapsed when the disaster struck as consumer spending decreased with lower purchasing power, investment and borrowing declined, all industries reported lower profits and there was an alarming increase in unemployment. The paper also briefly discusses the condition of the airline industry after the tragic events of 9/11.
From the paper:
"The United States economy had already been predicted to go into recession when the tragedy of September 11 struck and accelerated the downward spiral of economic conditions of our country. . The economy crumpled as many industries in the country were hit harshly by the attacks and the slow down finally took shape of recession. After three quarters of poor GDP growth, it was almost certain that the economy was heading towards recession but September 11th attacks only accelerated the negative process. The government has been unable to generate enough Consumer-spending despite several announcements of tax cuts, which are aimed at giving people more purchasing power. Money supply and demand in the market is insufficient to tempt businessmen to increase production."
Abstract SWOT - strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats - is a form of analysis to assist an individual or business to self-analyze and act accordingly. This paper uses a SWOT analysis to show the factors affecting Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc.'s marketing strategy and business opportunities, such as product popularity, problems with expansion into foreign markets and local competition.
From the Paper "Although its word of mouth marketing strategy has been successful thus far, Krispy Kreme might run into problems as it looks to expand into foreign markets. As a result, the company may need to take a different marketing approach in foreign markets.
Obviously, in a foreign market that has not been exposed to the Krispy Kreme product, word of mouth will not play an initial, or important role in advertising. As a result, most analysts agree that the further that Krispy Kreme expands, the greater that their need for mass advertising will be."
Abstract This paper, as part of the Coca-Cola Company marketing plan, states that the marketing objectives are to sell as much product at the greatest profit margin to the largest targeted audience possible; to maintain dominant market share by constant awareness of its primary competitor, PepsiCo., and to find and develop new market segments. The paper defines the value-creation objectives for the new fruit drink focusing on the health aspects of the drink and the good and energetic tastes with campaigns geared to teenage consumers. The author includes a SWOT analysis.
Table of Contents
Market and Marketing Analysis
What Is The Product Offering?
What Are Competing Offerings?
Who Could Benefit From The Product Offering?
Why Do Customers Buy?
Why Don"t Customers Buy"
How Is The Product Bought?
How Is The Product Sold?
Traditional Market Analysis
SWOT Analysis for Coca Cola Company
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
Market Audit
Financial Status the Company
Financial Status of Product Offering
Financial Status of the Industry
Integrated Marketing Analysis
Traditional (Basic) Marketing Channel
Comprehensive Marketing Channels
Integrated Buying and Selling Processes
Marketing Planning
Company Objectives
General Product Offering Objectives
Segmentation and Target Marketing Objectives and Strategies
Key Market Analysis
Profitability Analysis; Longevity Analysis
Value Creation Objectives & Strategies
Image Management Objectives and Strategies
Company/Organization
Communication Objectives and Strategies
Channel-based
Timeline of Events
Budget
Evaluation of Performance
Contingency planning
From the Paper "The primary beneficiaries of the product offering are the shareholders of the Coca-Cola Company. Next in line are the executives of the Coca-Cola Company who are on strong incentive bonus programs pegged to increased sales. Following the executives are the bottlers throughout the world who sell the product to a multi-layered distribution network. After that, there are the grocery stores, markets, vending machine companies, and restaurants that sell the product at Value Added markups. At the bottom of this benefit, chain is the end user customer. And, it is on the act of understanding purchase motivations of this customer that the remainder of this analysis is focused."
Abstract This paper is a case study to determine the marketing strategy of the Colorado Creative Music in the recorded music industry, which is one of the most stressed industries today. The author points out that, according to SWOT analysis, a firm should not necessarily pursue the most immediately lucrative opportunities offered to it by a surface analysis of a particular industry, but rather, it may have a better chance at developing a competitive advantage by identifying a fit between the firm's strengths and upcoming opportunities. The author concludes that the company must learn to make use of new technologies, such as the internet, in generating interest in the product, as well as of assuring sellers of the marketability and desirability of some of his lesser-known artists.
Table of Contents
Introduction
SWOT Analysis of the Company
Five-force Analysis of the Recorded Music Industry
Issues
From the Paper "The changing nature of technology in the music industry also means that there is tremendous potential for entry of new competitors in the music industry. However, before a potential analyst resigns him or herself to the completely fluid nature of the industry, it must also be noted that the ability of new competitors to easily enter the market does not mean that there is any baseline level of guaranteed success. This is particularly true given that Colorado Creative Music has attempted to corner a market of the music market that is not the traditionally young, disposable-income producing teen or "twentysomething" so coveted by the majority of the industry. Colorado Creative Music has targeted itself as establishing a niche in the market, rather than out and out domination of any particular sector of the music market."
This case study discusses Avon's needs to implement innovative marketing strategies against increasing competition from other direct marketers and the cosmetics' retail industry.
Abstract This case study analyzes Avon as a company and as a strategy maker. The author found that Avon is mostly inclined towards the differentiated defender strategy at the moment as this choice will help Avon defend its existing position in the mature cosmetics industry while it initiates some line extensions strategically targeted towards the latest predominant makeup consumers: teens. In addition, the author finds that Avon possesses superior marketing skills that no other direct marketer has being able to reach in the U.S. market or abroad. These include tracking consumer-changing needs, maintaining customer awareness and loyalty, and having a strong customer relationship. The latter will continue to improve since new channels of communication are being currently developed such as 800 numbers, websites and other computerized systems that will also encourage more representatives to do their best job in order to increase their income.In conclusion, Avon will continue to increase her sales and the number of sales representatives if she sticks to this strategy.
Table of Content:
Situation Analysis
Major Problem
Company Background
Industry Profile
SWOT Analysis
Objectives
Alternatives
Decision
Bibliography
From the Paper "Avon Products, Inc is the largest manufacturer and direct marketer of cosmetics, fragrances, toiletries, and costume jewelry. Its global brands include: Anew, Avon Color, Avon Skin Care, Far Away, Rare Gold, Perceive, and Women of Earth. Avon's corporate vision ?to be the company that best understands and satisfies the product, service and self-fulfillment needs of women globally,? has positioned the company as the "best place" for consumers to buy and the "best place" for women to sell. In 1991 Avon had 1,120,000 active sales representatives operating globally."
Abstract This paper summarizes and reviews "The Goal" by Goldratt and Cox. The paper discusses "Theory of Constraints", a philosophy for improving production throughput presented in "The Goal", and looks at the concept of throughput accounting, a concept embraced by Goldratt and Cox in "The Goal".
From the Paper "In The Goal, (Goldratt and Cox, 1986) Alex Rogo manages a troubled manufacturing plant. When his district manager informs Alex that profits must increase or the plant will be shut down, he turns to Jonah, a former professor. With Jonah's help, Alex turns the plant around while at the same time abandoning traditional management principles in favor of Jonah's Theory of Constraints and Throughput Accounting practices."
Abstract This paper discusses the characteristics of high-performance teams and how a group can become a high-performance team. Included is an examination of the impact of demographic and cultural diversity on group behavior. Diversity in culture and demographic characteristics can be a source of friction and conflict or be one of the team's greatest strengths. A group can become a high-performing team by understanding how cultural and demographic dissimilarity influences group behavior. High-performing teams leverage their diversity for competitive advantage.
From the Paper "A variety of definitions have been offered to describe the concept of a team. One widely used definition is that ?A team is a small number of people with complementary skills who are committed to a common purpose, performance goals, and approach for which they hold themselves mutually accountable." (Katzenbach & Smith 1992 cited in Managing Team Performance) High-performing teams present an ideal operational model. High-performance teams deliver results and deliver them faster."
Abstract This paper discusses the current salaries of professional athletes and their impact on the sports world. The author examines how the skyrocketing salaries have affected experiences and perceptions of fans and negatively impacted professional sports.
From the Paper "If you are planning on taking your family to a ball game, be sure to come with your favorite team's t-shirt, your camera and binoculars, and a fat wallet. That's right, be prepared to fork over the cash, because it will cost you upwards of over $250. Athlete salaries have drastically increased over the past couple decades. As these wages continue to mushroom to unprecedented heights, the cost of attending sporting events elevates to new plateaus of its own. In addition to increased ticket prices, which hurt the ability of many fans to go to games, exploding salaries have resulted in greed of players and owners and a lower quality of play in some areas. All of this has left a bad taste in the mouths of even the most diehard sports fans. If current trends continue, professional sports might lose what remains of its integrity and become just another industry where victory is auctioned off to the highest bidder."
Abstract This paper addresses measures being taken in light of the recent financial events with several major U.S. corporations. In addition, recommendations are made to promote the increased ethical actions of those individuals, who are in positions that have a major influence on the U.S. economy.
From the Paper "The list of offenders seems to be growing daily. Enron, Merrill Lynch, WorldCom and now Johnson & Johnson have come under increased scrutiny and criminal charges. The actions of the personnel in positions of financial authority at these companies have had an extremely negative impact on the employees, investors, lenders and the economy in general. Employees of these companies lost most, if not all of their pension benefits. Investors lost a large portion of the money they invested. Lenders are faced with the companies filing for bankruptcy and the economy in general is experiencing extreme levels of suspicion, as indicated by the faltering stock market."
Tags: accounting, business, ethics, management, standards, minoruty, financial, business
Abstract This paper discusses the rise and fall of nation's seventh largest company, Enron International. It describes Enron's bankruptcy and one of the worst stories of deception, greed and fraud in the history of Corporate America. The paper also examines how the largest energy trader of the United States managed to keep its negative debt position off the books with the help of its auditing firm, Arthur Andersen.
From the Paper "Enron was formed when two energy companies, Houston Natural Gas and InterNorth, decided to merge their operations in 1985. The company achieved tremendous success, as energy trading firm and it was the first firm of its kind where energy was traded as any other commodity. In the short span of 15 years, the company managed to gain rise to heights of success as it turned from a regulated natural gas company into world's largest energy trader. With 21,000 employees and operations in more than 30 countries, the company it seemed was doing extremely well and this was further supported by the evidence presented by its auditors."
Abstract One of the widest scandals of corporate corruption in American history came courtesy of Enron, a provider of natural gas and electricity to establishments around the globe. This paper attempts to analyze what went wrong, why the company suddenly declared bankruptcy and evaluates the current government investigation. It looks at the legal issues involved such as fraud and examines some of the social issues such as the resignation of the CEO and the suicide of a top executive.
From the Paper "There has been mounting concern over transactions and business practices of firms who form special purpose entities. What could have been done to prevent such a scandal? Inquiring minds want to know how management issues and corporate governance problems assisted in the collapse of the once all-mighty Enron. Proper monitoring of business activities and transactions including a protocol to report suspicious activity should have been employed. Enron executives should have routinely monitored off balance sheet transactions, related parties transactions and complex financial transactions, among other things."
Abstract Wal-Mart is constantly heralded as one of the country's most substantial businesses, where both its stock and its retail sales remain constant despite an otherwise bearish economy. Yet is this perception of Wal-Mart as an untouchable industry leader accurate? This paper provides a SWOT analysis / TOWS matrix assessment in order to better address Wal-Mart's status as a business. A series of questions based upon this assessment are then answered according to the results.
Abstract This paper explores the accounting malpractices within the Andersen Firm. The paper discusses the functions and duties of the firm and the history of the company. The writer describes recent events including the Enron case and a myriad of other cases, accusing Andersen of misleading investors. The paper also examines whether or not the Author Andersen auditing firm is a trustworthy firm to do business with.
From the Paper "Anderson contracted with the Enron Corporation to perform its audits and provide the audit opinion. The firm performed this task for over ten years and charged Enron almost $48 million in fees in the year 2000 alone. It is believed that Andersen hid the fact the Enron used questionable accounting practices to hide huge losses that Enron had incurred. Andersen has admitted that employees destroyed evidence that exposed the shotty accounting practices."
Abstract This paper looks at the different marketing and business strategies of companies whose business is solely through their website (click-and-click companies) and those whose website is an additional source of sales (brick-and-click); but who physically have a storefront. Their strategies are compared for their effectivenss and ability to reach the audience the companies seek.
From the Paper "The first characteristic of the Internet store is the importance of the web site. The web site is the basis of the Internet store, with accessibility and ease-of-use determining whether the customer will purchase from the store and return to the store. The web site is the equivalent of a retail store front's location, if it is easy to get to, customers will be more likely to visit it again. Unlike retail stores, the biggest concern is how easy the store is to move around in. Ease-of-use is said to be the most significant factor, with ease-of-use comprising three attributes: how quickly the web site downloads, how easy the first page is to understand and how easy it is to navigate between pages (Kotler 48). Click-and-click retailers have built their businesses based on the online presence and so tend to be aware of how important the web site is. Part of their marketing strategy involves making the web site as convenient and easy-to-use as possible."
