Abstract This paper examines how Apple's iPod is the first entry into the marketplace that addresses the needs of the portable digital music market segment. It explains how it is small enough to fit comfortably in a shirt pocket. It shows how the device addresses the shortcomings of other portable MP3 music devices. It also looks at how market segmentation has been one of the most vital factors fueling the demand for technological products, as companies recognize that segmentation equips them to generate more sales than the mass marketing approach of the late 20th century. The paper examines how Apple understood the needs of the digital music community, together with the strengths and weaknesses of other products in the marketplace prior to designing the iPod.
From the Paper "The iPod is distributed through traditional retail outlets. The company wants to maintain its strong relationship with the retail brick and mortar stores which have become a back bone of there distribution channel. The company could have their own online purchasing system, but they have chosen to reinforce their ties with traditional retailers by not offering the products directly to the consumer. This approach continues to build good will into eh retail community, which is important to the small computer manufacturer. In a world of goliath computer manufacturers producing windows based operating system, Apple is the David of the technology world."
Abstract This paper explains that the Sarbanes-Oxley Act came about because of the bankruptcies of Enron, Global Crossing, Adelphia, and WorldCom. These companies had hidden their true financial health from creditors and shareholders until an inability to meet financial commitments forced them to restate earnings that revealed massive losses. The author points out that a disadvantage of this Act is that the corporate sector in the United States is already sufficiently regulated, making it one of most tightly controlled in the world. The paper relates that the Sarbanes-Oxley Act restores the all-important role of the auditors as corporate "watchdogs", which is desirable for ensuring compliance with the prescribed accounting standards, and expands the role of the audit committee by making it responsible for appointing and overseeing the performance of the internal auditors.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background
Accounting Problems that Led to Sarbanes-Oxley
Advantages of the Act
Disadvantages of the Act
Effect of the Act on the Future of Accounting Profession
Opinion
From the Paper "One of the provisions of Sarbanes-Oxley makes the chief executive officers (CEOs) and chief financial officers (CFOs) personally responsible for signing false accounts and financial statements. They can now get stiff jail terms for violating the law by signing false and misleading financial statements. Before Sarbanes-Oxley many CEOs and CFOs pleaded innocence when financial irregularities were revealed by claiming that they were unaware of the "cooking" of the books by their subordinates."
Abstract This paper discusses two diverse topics, ethics in decision making and technology-induced, work-related stress. Enron is used as an example in the discussion of ethics. The paper looks at how technology is a gift, but also an extra stress factor. It uses examples such as the possibility of losing documents due to computer crashes, email, and voice-mail.
From the Paper "Let's face it: Some people think about ethics and other people think about money." (Werbel cited Chapman 2000) Werbel says that business ethics is a strong feature of nearly every business school curriculum, but that training in ethics has minimal impact on people. What has a bigger influence on people are the actions of the leadership teams in organizations."
Abstract This paper is based on the airline industry and discusses a brief history of this industry, an industry overview, and a SWOTT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats, and Trends) analysis of the industry. It also addresses the impact of real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the unemployment rate, and the inflation rate as measured by the consumer price index (CPI). The paper includes three economic indicators.
History of the Industry
Industry Overview
SWOTT
Gross Domestic Product
Unemployment Rate
Inflation Rate
Economic Indicators
In-depth Analysis
Final Recommendations
From the Paper "Business travel still plays a significant role in the airline industry. Although many advents in business communications technology have evolved, something remains to be said about the quality and quantity of business conducted in face-to-face meetings. Competition for business travelers is intense with legacy carriers and low-cost carriers vying for revenue. Today, the financial benefit is in the business community's favor although it is expected that in late 2005 excess capacity consumption will allow the airlines to begin charging higher fares (National Business Travel Association)."
Abstract This paper evaluates the planning function of management and its role in the author's organization. It describes how legal issues, ethics, and corporate social responsibility impact management planning.
From the Paper "Although my company is small, I still believe that like me it has a certain amount of social responsibility. I tithe in my church and my money is used for various mission works such as helping to feed the poor in our area and putting shoes on children's feet in Moldova or Romania. Therefore, I have also been looking for ways in which my company can be involved in socially responsible activities in the community in which my homes are found. I have attended the civic meetings in the neighborhoods in which my houses are located and have also volunteered to help set up a website for one of the communities. I believe that investing in my neighborhood is not just good for the community; it is also good for my business."
Abstract This paper analyzes FMC Corporation's Aberdeen facility and explores how their Green River facility can model it for improvement. It gives an overview of FMC history, a detailing of Aberdeen's organizational design and why it is effective, and why Green River's is not. The paper presents alternatives for Green River's consideration, with an implementation and contingency plan for the recommended strategy.
From the Paper "FMC Corporation was originally founded in 1883 ("FMC Corp. Eradicates", 2004). Although the company has been involved in areas as diverse as oil field equipment and food machinery, FMC has narrowed its focus to include: industrial, specialty and agricultural chemicals. They are one of the world's larges producers of soda ash, and also produce industrial chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide and phosphorous chemicals. In addition, FMC is partnered with Solutia to form a joint venture called Astaris, to produce phosphorous chemicals as well. The remainder of FMC's revenues come from agricultural products, including insecticides and herbicides, and specialty chemicals, including food and pharmaceutical additives (Partheymuller, 2005c)."
Abstract High performance teams are in high demand in today's society. Most organizations are striving to establish high performance teams throughout their company to improve business and customer satisfaction. This paper discusses how a group can become a high performance team. It also examines the impact of demographic characteristics and cultural diversity on group behavior and how these can either contribute or detract from high performance teams.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
What is a High Performance Team
Impact of Demographic Characteristics on Group Behavior
How Diversity Contributes or Detracts from a High Performance Team
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Individuals join groups for a number of reasons. Being a member of a group provides a sense of security. Individuals feel stronger, more powerful and resistant to threats when they are a part of a group. Individuals also join groups in order to accomplish goals. There are instances when it takes more than one person to perform a task and the pooling of ideas and opinions is required to achieve the goal at hand. A team is a small group of individuals who's members work actively together to achieve a common purpose and hold themselves mutually accountable for the outcome. Teams exist in all types of organizations and are becoming more and more common. The goal for managers now is to turn teams into high performance teams that are able to function well in any setting. Members of high-performance teams must have the ability to come to resolutions quickly and accomplish the tasks at hand. "
Abstract This paper answers questions provided by client in relation to Camelback Communications Inc. The task of the paper, is to figure a cost-based pricing system that is in line with profitability and competitive requirements. The paper considers several and reports the results. The paper also supplies brief comments concerning the methodology and standards.
From the Paper "In the case study of Camelback Communications, Inc., the question is what costs ought to be used in order to set prices that are competitive while allowing for CCI's profit requirements. Given the questions that are asked on the assigned case study, the following responses address the issues involved in making this determination. Response to Question 1 Once the allocation rate is set at $10.36 per hour, the price CCI will have to charge to reach a 40% mark-on are as follows: Product B $28.51 Product C $78.51 Product D $50.01. This would allow only Product B to be sold at its industry standard price ($38.50). However, adding mark-ons of 25% yields the following prices: Product B $25.45 Product C $70.10 Product D $44.65."
Abstract This paper addresses the question of whether the legal profession is justified in holding UK organisations liable for employees abuse of electronic mail systems in the workplace.
From the Paper "Should an employer be deemed liable for e-mail messages written by one employee, and sent to another employee, without the employers knowledge or consent, this has begun to happen over the past few years. Employers are finding themselves facing spiralling legal costs when employees sue for sexual or racial harassment. UK governments have been reluctant to lay down laws with respect to electronic communications and employees rights in the workplace, inevitably this has led to an increase in cases brought against employers. Organisations are beginning to fight back, with covert monitoring of personal e-mail sent by employees. Recent legal cases are reported and particular attention is paid to both employees and employers perspectives, with consideration to relevant statute."
Abstract This paper presents a critical overview of American consumerism and how images are "sold" to American teenagers.
From the Paper "The media puts a tremendous amount of pressure on teens, telling them they are not cool enough without a certain look. The only way to get the look is to get the product. It's a world made of marketing and many factors show that marketers have gone too far in their attempts to reach the hearts- and wallets of America's youth."
Abstract This paper analyzes the Coca Cola Company from a marketing point of view. Topics covered in the report are: Brief Company History, Mission Statement, External Factors and Industry Environment (Economic Factors, Social Factors, Technological Factors), Rivalry, suppliers, and buyers, Company Profile- Organization Structure, Strategic Analysis, Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, Building Competitive Advantage through Action Plans.
From the Paper "The Coca Cola system is indeed a special business. At the heart of Coco Cola, especially in its first 100 years, there has been a commitment to intense marketing and to the preservation of its patented formulas and processes to make its special syrup. The Coco Cola Company became an organization in 1892. Today, Coca Cola provides the consumer with a desired product and service. Coca Cola has become a household word within the United States and one of the most recognized symbols around the world. Coca Cola sells image versus performance. Coca Cola grew steadily and diversified with global vision (Pearce & Robinson 6th edition)."
Abstract In this paper, the author explores the internal and external influences that can have a predominant effect on an organization and how these pressures can cause organizations to change. The author highlights the new forms of work organizations that have been introduced in many enterprises as a result of these pressures as well as the efforts being made to provide greater efficiency and higher job satisfaction.
From the Paper "Change is the experience of significant difference. It is above all else, experience. Experiences are personal and individual. People's response to what is supposed to be the same change may be very different. Change disrupted routine, causing people to feel a sense of loss. Change is a process, which occurs continually in life. Change threatens what is known and what makes the future uncertain. The external influences consist of factors external to the industry that may have significant impact on the firm's strategies. A firm cannot typically control its general environment. The external influences consist of much diverse but interrelated part. Here, we will look at segments: competition, technology, international influencers, government regulations/legislation and economic influences. These issues often overlap and developments in one area may influence those in another."
Abstract This paper analyses how corporations may maintain employee job satisfaction in an ever-increasing environment of economic, sociological, global and organizational change.
From the Paper ?While the profitability of corporations is typically measured in dollars, overall success can be measured in terms of profitability plus the attainment of organizational goals. This success derives from a synergy of inputs, including the work of employees who are dedicated, skilled and knowledgeable, and a management team that understands how to inspire competent and motivated performance through sensitive and responsive management of a continually changing workplace. The cost of socially-responsible management is an investment: the workplace environment directly impacts the motivation and productivity of the workforce. Simply put: happy, secure workers are productive workers. Companies are responsible for creating and maintaining a positive and supportive workplace environment through ethically responsible policies, fair compensation and proactive management. While not quantifiable as a line item, an attitude of responsibility to workers and to the workplace environment has a noticeable effect on the corporate bottom line. According to Alan Reder in his book In Pursuit of Principle and Profit (1994), responsible policies ensure that every quality of a company will emerge over time and greatly increase a company's chances of long-term success.?
Abstract This report looks at the impact of American culture on the development and advancement of globalization. The author first examines the history of Americanization during the 20th Century and then provides an extended look at several components of the American culture that are exported on a global scale, including technology, telecommunications, economics, goods and services, language, media, entertainment, and religion. In addition, this report examines how these have impacted countries such as: Western Europe, Japan and Canada.
From the Paper "For centuries, monarchs, generals, explorers, and financiers have been creating an increasingly interdependent global economy. In today's modern age, unprecedented advances in communications, transportation, and computer technology have given new impetus to the globalization process. As the economies and cultures of the world become integrated into the whole of the global information age, the concept and reality of globalization becomes more complex and far-reaching. One thing is for sure; globalization is challenging existing social identities across the planet in many important ways. A prime example of this process can be found in the influence that American culture is having in the modern world."
Abstract This paper explores the recession that the United States is now experiencing, and how it affects everything from large business like the airline industry to paying for tonight's supper . The author also discusses how we can prevent or slow down future recessions. The paper focuses the recession on a microeconomic scale, applying it to the author's own Western Kentucky.
From the Paper:
"The recession has impacted almost everyone in our surrounding community, whether they were impacted directly or indirectly. It has impacted local small businesses, large industries and companies, as well as individuals and families. All people in the economy are impacted by a recession. However, from the current information that I have obtained, it looks as if the economy is on the rise and will soon be back to normal. Recession is a serious issue, but hopefully our current let down in economy has been a learning experience and next time we will be better prepared and can prevent an equal disaster."
