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."
Abstract This paper discusses the life of Bill Gates, founder and chairman of Microsoft. It details his young adult life and how he came to create a new computer operating system. Further, how he built the Microsoft empire and changed technology, business, and society. It also briefly examines a few of the legal cases against Microsoft.
From the paper:
"William or "Bill" H. Gates III is chief executive and co-founder of the largest software company in the world, the Microsoft Corporation. Last year, Microsoft made a $953 million dollar profit on sales of $3.75 billion dollars. As Microsoft's largest stockholder, Bill Gates is worth nearly $6.1 billion, making him this country's second wealthiest man. He is at thirty-eight years old, America's youngest self-made billionaire. Microsoft's $25 billion market value tops that of Ford, General Motors, 3M, Boeing, RJR Nabisco, General Mills, Anheuser-Busch or Eastman Kodak. (Resin "The Bill Gates Interview") This paper will attempt to analyze the character of Bill Gates, explain the nature of the corporation he created, and explicate some of the difficulties he and his corporation have faced economically and personally. It will suggest that although Gates has done many controversial things throughout his life as both a man and as chief executive of Microsoft, the overall effects he has had upon the country and upon the computer industry have been positive ones."
Abstract This paper discuss the necessary steps in order to adopt the JIT philosophy into a company or operation, and how it reduces cost and increases quality. It looks at all of the different steps in the production process, and shows how JIT would benefit the overall production of the company's product.
From the Paper "Just in time works as a "pull" system and applies to generally every level in a multi-level production system. A "pull" system is actually "the subsequent process that pulls its requirements from the preceding processes in question" (Monden 215). One useful and effective way to implement this "pull" production is a Kanban system. A Kanban is Japanese for the word "card". It is a system that uses visual communication (usually cards attached to a storage or transportation container) to indicate to a proceeding process that a certain number of units or parts have been used up in a subsequent process. Therefore, the units/parts need to be replaced. The use of a Kanban facilitates the transmission of information among the different processes."
Tags: activity, based, cost, costing, jit, just, management, operations, time
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze conflict in the team environment. Topics covered include: Why conflict occurs, how to manage and resolve it and strategies to avoid it when developing and working with teams.
From the Paper ?Teams are defined by Jon Katzenbach in "The Wisdom of Teams" as "small groups of people with complementary skills committed to a common purpose, approach, and performance goals for which they hold themselves mutually accountable." Team building is extremely popular in business today. According to the Industry Week "1999 Census of Manufacturers," nearly 68% of small-company plants use teams to varying degrees. Teams can add to the productivity and profits of a business, but they can also be extremely stressful for the members involved if they aren't managed correctly.?
Tags: resolution, arbitration, mediation, fight, argue, business, work, together
Abstract An analysis of the current trend for companies to outsource their IT needs and the effects this has on the company. It looks at two different trends namely strategic outsourcing and business processing outsourcing. It compares these two options, their advantages and disadvantages. It shows how many companies are moving towards the outsourcing option.
From the Paper "As far as costs go, outsourcing a solution makes a lot of sense. By outsourcing, your company doesn't have to hire and keep technical staff to maintain an in-house solution. With today's hectic tech job market, just finding qualified people can be a daunting task. In order to be competitive the current technological environment in business management demands that organizations upgrade to a strategic position. In order to accommodate such deficiencies information technology is integrated in business processes but it has proven too costly to most companies."
Tags: IT, information, technology, outsource, company, remote, data, development
Abstract This paper examines what the concept of "human resource planning" entails. It looks at the importance of this policy and its main components - goals and plans; current skills inventory; human resource forecast; implementation programs; evaluation and adjustment. It also examines the concept of "classification" and looks at the pros and cons of this job evaluation method.
From the Paper "Human Resource Planning is a process implemented by an organization for ensuring that an adequate number of qualified personnel will remain available at the required time for meeting its needs. A comprehensive human resource plan would ensure that the needs of the employees are met concurrently. Human Resource Planning also provides the basis and the required information for important personnel activities such as "classification" and ?selection,? the other topics of discussion in this paper."
Abstract Employees who report illegal or wrongful activities of colleagues are known as "whistle blowers". The paper provides a balanced argument to support both sides of this subject by discussing the positive and the negative aspects of whistle blowing in the workplace. The paper analyzes the similarities as well as the differences with regards to the opinions of whistle blowing. Lastly, this paper offers suggestions one might consider before becoming a whistleblower as well as possible recommendations for the future advancement in the protection of innocent whistleblowers.
From the Paper "We must also consider that corporations in are run with the expectations that they will function in ways that are compatible with the public interest. That they will obey laws governing their activities and not do anything that undermines basic democratic processes. Lest we not forget they must also create a profit for the stakeholders of their company. In accomplishing such feats companies may find it difficult to maintain this high level of honesty. Although companies may have answers for their each and every action they make the action is not always ethical or legal and deserves action."
A review of Thomas Friedman's book, "The Lexus and the Olive Tree" and an examination of the ideas of globalization that currently exist in the economic world.
1,570 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 2 sources, 2002, $ 51.95
Abstract This paper provides a thorough review of Thomas Friedman's book, "The Lexus and the Olive Tree". The book includes ideas to explain and direct the progress of business globalization. Thomas, the New York Times Foreign Affairs columnist, uses his well-traveled experience to describe the state of globalization today. This paper examines these ideas for their relation to the economic world today.
From the Paper "To begin, it is important to explain the meaning of The Lexus and the Olive Tree. The Lexus refers to technological advancement and growth, where the Olive Tree refers to traditional roots and stability. The basic premise of the book is the conflict between the two within cultures, economies, and individuals and how it if possible, at all, to bring the two camps together (Friedman 31-34). "
Abstract This paper provides a definition of an organization, organizational theory, and its use in management. A discussion of open and closed systems, bureaucracy and the advantages and disadvantages of rules and regulations within an organization.
From the Paper "What is an organization? An organization is a socially structured and coordinated system which is composed of two or more people with the aim of achieving a common goal, or mission. The individuals who collectively constitute the organization are directed, by managers, towards achieving their shared goal within sub-systems and boundaries which serve to separate the organization's internal environment from the external environment with which it interacts."
Abstract This paper tackles the problems faced by management of an organization when considering instituting changes in their administrative systems. It examines the roles of management and leaders when trying to implement any change.
From the Paper "Prior to implementation of change by any methods, the change agent"internal or external"has to evaluate the organization as a whole. The problems and difficulties experienced by any company may be unique to the company or to the type of business. Change implementation generally requires a change in the behavioral strategies?either of the organization, the process used or the individual."
Tags: management, factors, leader, company, business
Abstract This paper discusses the Kmart Corporation and its evident performance problems. The author provides an overall description of the organization including its macro and micro environments and diagnoses the apparent problems of the Kmart Corporation. The paper presents a plan of intervention and implementation, evaluates the plan and discusses the effect the changes will have on the corporation.
From the Paper "Kmart Corporation is a discount and general merchandise retailer. It began as the S.S. Kresge Co. founded by Sebastian S. Kresge in 1899. (Yahoo Finance) The name was changed to Kmart in 1977. In 1984 the company purchased Walden Books and Home Centers of America. Kmart began to collaborate with Martha Stewart in 1987; she became their primary spokesperson and consultant."
Abstract The paper shows that to address the issue of information security of an organization, managers should develop certain security policies, keeping in view the possible threats that can create problems for the company in future. It shows that threats could constitute hacking, viruses, denial of service, software crashes, etc. In this paper the strategies a manager should adopt in order to ensure the security of the information within the organization are briefly discussed. Finally the paper lists certain companies that provide information on security services.
From the Paper "The second biggest problem is of hacking. Hackers not only steal important and highly sensitive information but also damage the information systems of the organization. To prevent the company's systems from hacking managers should hire anti hacking experts or contact consulting firms, which provide security to their companies. Companies, which are maintaining an online service network, are more exposed to the threat of hacking as their networks are continuously in the reach of the outsiders."
Abstract This paper presents an analysis of the corporation's financial records in an effort to find out why the company chose to file for bankruptcy. It conducts a financial analysis comparison of Wal-Mart, Target and Kmart. Suggestions are made as to what Kmart can do to regain their status in the market.
From the Paper "Kmart is a discount retailer with over 2,000 stores worldwide and at one time the chain was the leading discount retailer. Much of Kmart's troubles were made evident in November of last year when the company released its? SEC quarterly report. The company cited an operating loss of $76 million compared at only $28 million for the same period the prior year. Kmart's operating losses had jumped from .3% in 2000 to 1% in 2001. In addition to the increase in operating loss there was an increase in the company's selling, general and administrative expenses. This increase was $145 million for the 39-week period, which ended on October 31, 2001. (Kmart Corp (KM))"
Abstract Workforce diversity and employee motivation are two important issues the human resource manager must deal with. Managing these issues incorporates the four activities of management: planning, organizing, leading and controlling. This paper examines how the four activities are part of human resource management, with a focus on workforce diversity and employee motivation.
From the Paper "Planning for human resources means ensuring that there are enough staff available now and that the future staffing requirements are planned for. This also includes taking into account changes in the future. If the company is going to expand or to change direction, the effectiveness of staff must be planned for. Planning impacts on employee motivation in several important ways.
"Firstly, changes to staff requirements must be planned for and staff reactions to change should not be ignored. One thing can be almost assured in any changes that effect staff: that the natural reaction will be to reject the changes. The most effective way to prevent this is to predict it and take action to prevent it. Planning of changes to staff should include informing staff of the changes and gaining their support. This will result in less stress and uncertainty for the staff, as well as showing them that they are important enough to be considered. This is a motivating factor for staff."
