Abstract This paper discusses and differentiates the four primary economic market structures of perfect competition, monopolistic competition, oligopoly and monopoly, suggesting examples of each. It also addresses how firms in each of the market structures respond to these factors.
From the Paper "Market structure is the particular environment of a firm, the characteristics of which influences the firm's pricing and output decisions (Arnold, 2001, p. 501). There are five features that determine the level of competition in an industry which characterize an industry in a particular market structure. These include: (1) the number of buyers and sellers; (2) the amount of differentiation between the products of different firms in the industry; (3) the ease with which new firms enter or old firms exit the market; (4) the availability of information about prices and availability of products and resources; and (5) the ways in which firms in the industry compete with each other, such as through prices or advertising."
Abstract This paper discusses the principles of Total Quality Management and how it was used in several companies in America and Japan such as: Ford and Xerox. It also discusses the MBO Model and Deming's universal fourteen points for management. It gives tips for managers and a step-by-step guide for implementing Total Quality Management.
From the Paper "The term Total Quality Management or TQM is defined as a mutual type of doing business that focuses on relying on the skills and abilities of the labor as well as the management in order to bring a continuous improvement in the quality and productivity of the organization by working in the form of teams. However, this concept of quality has not emerged overnight. Total quality management has its roots back to the era of 1970s and 80s when the US companies were struggling for their survival in an adverse atmosphere of recession, decline in business, deregulations, increasing competition, growing trade deficit, low productivity and a more aware and educated customer demanding more quality products. The giants of the American economy such as Ford motors and Xerox has suffered from huge losses in this period because of the unfavorable market conditions and increasing competition from the foreign competitors. This was the time when the true concept of TQM begins to emerge and companies started realizing the importance of quality."
Abstract This paper discusses the commonalities and differences between the budgets of individual, for-profit, non-profit and public-sector entities. This paper explains how the budget process is similar and different between all of these entities. Budgeting is a critical element in financial planning, explains the author--whether the budget applies to an individual, a company or public entity, the budgeting process, its application and execution forecast the expected future.
From the Paper "One of the most essential ingredients for a manager to effectively run an organization is the ability to develop and implement a good budget. The main objective of a budget is to establish a method of allocating limited resources in order to achieve the best return on their dollars. Furthermore a budget also outlines the various sources of revenue and the anticipated amount of money that will be derived from each source. Individuals, governments, non-profit organizations and profit making businesses commonly use this financial planning process. Each of these entity's budgets have many similarities and differences."
This paper analyzes the conflict that stems from diversity in the workplace. By understanding the struggles of members of different races, genders and sexual preferences, managers can concentrate on making these minorities feel more inclusive.
Abstract Learning to manage diversity is crucial to the survival of any organization. This paper asks why women, blacks, Asians and Hispanics are under-represented in management positions. By using statistics, the explanations that are commonly used, are confronted and additional explanations (based on the statistics are presented). This paper also explains how not properly managing diversity can be detrimental to the organization and offers suggestions for making minorities more inclusive.
Introduction
Gender
Race
Blacks
Asian Americans
Hispanics
Sexual Orientation
Recommendations
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper "By the year 2010, the Labor Department estimates that 48% of the workforce will consist of women and 31% will be people of color. (Bureau of Labor) This large group of employees that are not considered "white males" demonstrates the need for organizations to focus on diversity. Because of the combinations of gender, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation, there will always be conflict in diverse organizations. It is crucial for effective managers to understand the differences in employees and develop methods of overcoming this conflict. Managing diversity is not about getting employees to like one another; instead, it is about creating an environment that enables employees to perform their jobs. (Thompson, 209) Without effectively managing the conflicts stemming from diversity, an organization is subject to a decrease in production, profitability, and the possibility of lawsuits."
Abstract This paper analyzes and examines Nike, one of the major shoe companies. Part II discusses the numerous marketing issues related to Nike, including distribution, price, and product. In Part III, the various issues associated with Nike, including the Chief Executive Officer's management style, employee and labor relations, and management structure are outlined. Part IV reviews the financial issues related to Nike, including a summary of the company's performance over the past 5 years, with ratios comparing Nike with other companies in the same industry such as Adidas, LA Gear, and Reebok.
From the Paper "When examining Nike's marketing practices, it is essential to analyze and examine distribution, price, and product. In terms of distribution, Nike utilizes a plethora of alternatives to advertise and sell its products. For example, Nike clothing, shoes, and other products are available for purchase from authorized Nike dealers such as Macy"s, Nordstrom"s, and almost every other well-known department store that sells sports-related clothing, shoes, and other accessories. In addition, Nike has its own store, Niketown, where its clothing, shoes, and other products are available for purchase. Lastly, consumers residing in Asia-Pacific (Japan, Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan), Canada, Europe (France, Germany, Italy), Latin America (Portugal and Spain), and the United States may purchase Nike clothing, shoes, and other products directly from Nike.com."
Abstract The writer asks whether the accounting industry should be regulated and if so, how this should be done. It looks at the factors surrounding this issue such as independent audits and government controlled Accounting Authorities.
From the Paper "Currently, the accounting industry is a "self-regulating" industry, which means they set their own rules, and abide by them within the industry, with a minimum of outside intervention. The Financial Accounting Standards Board governs companies. The board sets the rules and applications accounting firms must follow. Many experts feel that self-regulation is no longer working, and the Federal Government needs to place more constraints on accounting firms. ??non-regulation and deregulation of the financial industries has gotten us into this mess. Auditors are allowed to receive income both from auditing and from consulting or "management advisory services" to the same client, the latter usually being the more lucrative relationship with more potential for growth? (Amato)."
Abstract This is a financial report on Budd Canada, Inc, a company in the business of supplying automotive components, specializing in the production of bumpers, chassis components and light truck frames. It is the writer's recommendation that a banking institution does not consider Budd to be a viable investment risk at this time as it has had a ten year history of increasing sales coupled with even greater decreasing profits. This paper shows how the company's position in the market is precarious.
From the Paper ?This general industry trends also touched Budd Canada. The Corporation reported a $94.2 million dollar net loss as of September 30, 2001. Budd had mixed results this year due to the need to ramp-up production on its new state-of-the-art system in order to meet customer demand. Typically, the introduction of new equipment produces a negative financial effect initially. The 2001 losses were anticipated however early losses were greater than anticipated and a new management team was put into place. Traditional product lines declined, as order shifted to newer product lines. The Budd Company is substantially dependent upon two major customers. These two customers account for 99% of sales and 99% of the accounts receivable balance.?
Abstract The following paper offers an overview of the impacts of globalization on developing countries, the arguments made against globalization, as well as corresponding rebuttals. Also identified are methods by which countries can reap the rewards of this process, while remaining realistic about its potential and its risks.
From the Paper "Globalization offers extensive opportunities for worldwide development, but this process is not progressing evenly. The richest 225 people in the world have a combined wealth equal to the annual income of the poorest 47% of the world's individuals. (Crafts 2) Countries that have been able to integrate with other nations are seeing faster growth and reduced poverty. However, many nations have not been so fortunate, especially in developing areas. One in four individuals across the world lives in abject poverty, without access to adequate food, clean water, sanitation, essential healthcare or basic education services. This is both the principal moral issue facing the world as well as the utmost menace to the future security and stability of the planet. Many of today's problems, such as war and conflict, mass migration, and environmental degradation are rooted in poverty and inequality."
This paper reviews the existing literature and studies of the status of women's pay and position in a changing workplace to determine how it may be possible to further narrow and/or eliminate salary gender gaps.
Abstract The following paper discusses economic changes including the increasing service and technology sectors displacing manufacturing as dominant employers, increasingly more productive and better educated women, changing political and social mores and other issues which significantly place in question policies and situations in which a gender gap exists. This research proposes to review the factors toward recommendations of how businesses can improve productivity through equitable pay supporting workplace diversity and motivation.
From the Paper "In 1963, President Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act into law, making it unlawful to discriminate against a worker on the basis of sex. Since that time, the wage gap between men and women in the United States has narrowed by just 15 cents, now being 74 cents, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.Pay equality is most prevalent for the 16 to 24 age group, in which women earn more than 90 percent of what men do; however, the gap becomes 75 percent in the 25 to 54 year old group - those at the height of their careers and life responsibilities. ("How Equal is Equal Pay?" Teresa Brady, Management Review, March 1998)."
A discussion on what investors today want to see on a global basis, how markets reflect discounts from their highs and stock purchases in highly discounted markets as an overall strategy.
Abstract An examination of the many factors investors in global stock markets will have to consider in the next millennium, including whether the value of their shares is driven by the rational estimation of future corporate earnings or whether mass psychology and speculative mania drive the value of their investments. The writer contends that in either case, factors of risk, globalization, currency, regulation and trade will come into play, either in consideration of their effects on social factors, or in the possible or probable profitability of any stock or stock market in an increasingly international environment.
From the Paper ?As monetary, political, trade and other restrictions are eased in countries all over the world, more investors find themselves able to contemplate maximizing their returns in international financial markets or on foreign companies listed on domestic exchanges ? the capital markets have become global; currently, more than 300 companies from fifty countries trade their shares on the NYSE, and are worth about ten percent of the market value of U.S. equities (International Monetary Fund, 1999).Growth in foreign trade and financial activities has rapidly led to closer integration of financial markets around the world. Deregulation, privatization and liberalization has led to an increasing number of markets, banks and brokerage firms, and increased the volume of asset exchange and ownership on a global scale. Facilitated by technology allowing for real-time trading all over the world, globalization of financial and trade markets has been a source of economic growth and prosperity for investors, countries and corporate entities in even the remotest developing areas.?
A marketing plan for a drive in theater, which takes into consideration current trends in entertainment, consumer preferences, community values, special events and nostalgia.
Abstract This research paper presents a marketing plan for a drive-in theater. Included is background on the types of entertainment, comparisons of negatives and positives in a SWOT-style analysis, proposals of special promotions and events and alternate sources of revenue to maximize income from the facility. The paper also contains suggestions of a percentage budget for a marketing dollar allocation.
From the Paper ?Situation Analysis ? The people attending drive-ins today are the same ones who went as kids in the ?50s and ?60s and eventually their kids will go too. It's an entertaining, inexpensive, wholesome night for the family.Our business has only recently gone from being stable to a growth mode. We have found that the Disney animated hit The Lion King in 1994 and King Kong did especially well outdoors and helped create a new generation of drive-in theater fans.
"We are on track and on trend for current consumer and advertising mood. A major issue facing marketers and advertisers since the September 11 terrorist attacks is what do they sell and how do they sell it in a changed world. Advertising and marketing are happening in relation to a major public event, the "War on Terror", the "All Anthrax All the Time" news networks, a recession, and the largest increase in unemployment in five years.?
Abstract The following paper examines how and why the United States has a considerable amount at stake as the Euro takes its place in the world financial system despite the substantial benefits of the dollar's leadership status
From the Paper "For quite some time, Europe has been in need of a uniform currency to simplify transactions both inside and outside the continent. As of January 1, 1999, this goal was finally realized when "the Euro" was declared the official currency for Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, and Finland. One year later, Greece also adopted the Euro as its official currency. From this time on, the old exchange rates between the participating currencies were replaced by fixed conversion rates. The European Central Bank (ECB) became responsible for all monetary and currency policy decisions within the community (Issing, et. al., 2001)."
Abstract The paper shows how a century ago corporate social responsibility was an idea whose time had not yet come, and companies were free to treat their employees as badly as they could get away with and cause nearly unregulated environmental damage. Profits were considered the only measure of how good a company was, and higher profits were often derived from unethical treatment of workers and resources. It shows that such an attitude today is no longer either practical nor acceptable and that increased government regulation has limited everything from the safety conditions of the workplace to the ways that companies must restore any environmental damage that they inflict. The paper discusses how a company can become socially responsible.
From the Paper "To take up the moral objections first, one can argue that corporate social responsibility must be practiced because it is the right thing to do. A business executive should never find himself or herself asking the question: "If I conduct my business in an unethical way, how much more money will I make?" Rather, each individual must determine how much profit is reasonable and, having decided this, match those expectations of financial gain with a business that can be carried out in a responsible and moral fashion."
Abstract This paper examines the popular American trend and phenomenon of buying on credit. It shows that the age of credit card possession is decreasing while the debts increase. It focuses on the social sub group of students who buy on credit and how they represent a growing trend in America today. Three magazine articles are examined and the dangers of this social trend is discussed in great detail.
From the Paper "However, this familiar sight is one of the many reasons that college students are becoming more and more deeply ensnared in debt. These smiling individuals prey upon students when they are at their most vulnerable. Most of these students have just had to pay hundreds of dollars for a semester's worth of books. Perhaps they are still looking for a part time job to help out with their tuition bill. These students are the perfect candidates to trust an young individual whom does not seem so different from themselves, who promises them a favorable monthly rate in exchange for their signature. Even the added "free gift" makes signing for a credit card one is ill-equipped to pay more like something fun, like getting a birthday party goody bag as one did when one was a child, rather than engaging a serious economic decision that could impact one's future life. In fact, one could say, one is signing away one's economic life into a form of indentured servitude or slavery."
Abstract This paper explores the issues and history of corporate taxation. Corporations are taxed at a rate depending on their income. This paper discusses the pros and cons of dropping the corporate tax, the methods which can be used to drop or lower corporate taxes and why. The paper includes charts and statistics concerning corporate taxes.
Table of Contents
I. The Beginning of Corporate Income Tax
II. The 1986 Tax Reform Act
III. How Does Taxes Affect Business
IV. Corporate Tax Rates
V. Decline of the Corporate Income Tax
VI. Why the Wide Range Between State and Corporate Taxes
VII. How Does Corporate Tax Work with Multi-state Manufacturers?
VIII. Does the Corporate Tax Help
IX. Proposals of Corporate Income Tax
X. Need of Stimulus
XI. Future Research Concerning Corporate Taxes
XII. Conclusions
XIII. Works Cited
From the Paper "Where did the corporate income tax begin? How does it affect our economy? What is the future of the corporate income tax? Will deleting corporate income tax be the answer for the economy? What about cutting part of this tax? How does the corporate income tax help the economy? These are questions that will be answered in this paper as well as how the corporate tax is affecting our economy now.
The Beginning of Corporate Income Tax
"How the corporate tax began is an example of why tax systems can be worse than they should be and how little influence the economic profession has on government policy (Norton 2). Sometimes ideals look great when they are not that sound. Corporate taxes were used during wartime until 1909, when Congress enacted a 1 percent tax on corporation income. The rate increased until 1932 to 12.5 percent when the rate was changed to the progressive rates. Norton stated, ?Surtaxes on corporate income were added for "excess profits" during both world wars. The highest peacetime rate, 52.8 percent, was reached in the sixties? (2). "
