Abstract This essay discusses the consumer decision making process with reference to psychological factors (consumer's needs, values, motives and perceptions). The author describes high and low involvement decision making, emphasizing their role in consumer behavior. The author goes further and provides marketing strategies and examples to illustrate the influence of high and low involvement decision-making.
From the Paper ? Consumer decision making consists of numerous interrelated decisions that are made on a daily basis, and thus requires a certain level of involvement, theorized as either high involvement or low involvement (Walters & Bergiel, 1989). This essay discusses their role in consumer behavior, referring to factors, consequences and strategies. Decision making is a psychological process that involves evaluating alternatives and then choosing a particular one. An important material of decision making is information, which must be procured, sensed and conveyed to those who need it (Cooper, 1964). Many decisions are concerned with choices about preferences, which can be made using a variety of strategies (Weiten, 1995). An additive strategy is the list of attributes that influence decision, rated according to desirability. For example, buying a small car because of its lower cost and better mileage, even though a larger car is safer, thus one compensates safety ratings. Another strategy called elimination-by "aspects, involves eliminating less attractive choices. Thus one would eliminate all cars that cost more than $50 00 and continue to reject choices that don"t satisfy minimum criterion on selected attributes, until a single alternative remains (Weiten, 1995). These psychological strategies will be elaborated on at a later point in the essay."
Tags: buyer, buying, purchase, product, decide, thought
Abstract This paper examines the influence of e-mail on the way people inhabit places and its affect on the intra-office communication and creation process. A special look is taken at the corporate office where e-mail has become a standard way to communicate.
From the Paper "E-mail has become a big influence on the way people inhabit places. Because of its very nature- which is only biased toward your being at a computer- location doesn?t "matter" because information can disseminate from anywhere. In a corporate office in the U.S. today, especially for a business with several office branches, email has become a standard way to communicate outside of one's own computer. Being able to send mail electronically has affected the inter-office dynamic, and the intra-office communication and creation process. It has also made white-collar workers less place-bound, and has created dangers for liability that didn?t exist before."
Abstract This paper analyzes the supermarket industry in undeveloped India. The author focuses on the modification schemes in the business strategies, products and services. An analysis of the different and unique environment of India's retail. Includes an external analysis, an analysis of recent food industry trends, an internal analysis, financial analysis and recommendations for the future.
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Background
External Analysis
Five Forces Model
Recent Food Industry Trends
Internal Analysis
SWOT Analysis
Financial Analysis
Recommendations
Bibliography
Appendix
From the Paper 'The objective of this case analysis is to investigate potential opportunities for the next decade in the nascent supermarket chain business in India, specifically for one major retailer, RPG Enterprises? FoodWorld Supermarkets venture. According to RPG's consumer study, key findings for the supermarket industry include factors such as the emerging sense of dissatisfaction with small range of products currently available at traditional food retailing stores, and consequently, the need for a broader selection of different brands, and a growing demand for hands-on-comparison shopping style. Also that Bangalore and Madras are becoming centers of the fastest developing South Indian supermarket sector."
Abstract A look at the current recession and how it could be avoided. This paper uses quotes and facts about historical U.S. recessions to discuss the current recession. It sheds light on why the U.S. headed towards the recession and describes in detail how it got into this recession and what needs to be done to get out of it.
From the Paper "Talking about a recession on Wall Street is like telling your wife she has put on a little weight, it just shouldn"t be done. Although this holds truth, the topic has been difficult to avoid over the past six months. After nearly ten years of financial growth, many economists believe that the U.S. economy may be poised for a recession. While many want to point the finger at certain prominent citizens or political groups, a recession can"t be blamed on a single person or action. The most important question is what actions can be taken to avoid a recession. It could be difficult, but there are many different procedures that can be taken to keep our economy on the road of economic prosperity."
Abstract This paper looks into the market strategies and position of the leading food chain McDonald's corporation. The company faces some serious challenges with the slow down in the economy and with its declining market share but McDonald's is certain it would be able to recapture the lost market. A look into current issues.
From the Paper "McDonald's is one name in the food business needs no introduction. This multi-billion dollars food chain with global presence enjoys a very strong position in the market because of the quality of its products. The food chain has some 28,000 restaurants in 120 countries. It is interesting and amazing that though McDonald's is a market leader, its customers form less than one percent of the total world population. McDonalds has been competing in the world food market since 1955 when Roy Kroc established the very first McDonald's outlet. The impact o this restaurant has been massive, as people no longer eat the way they used to."
Tags: food, fast, industry, restaurant, business, service
Abstract This paper presents a look at two of the main challenges that are going to face businesses in the 21st century. The author takes the reader on a tour of possible challenges and details why they will occur and what might be done about them. The paper discussed the impact that is likely to happen to organizational structure as well as management practices.
From the Paper "Business has been around since the beginning of time. As the world has evolved so have the businesses. Each time technology moves us a bit further along on the time line of history we move the ways we do business to accommodate the changes. The technological boom of the last three decades however, has provided us with means that we never dreamed possible. While this is a positive change for many areas of business it is also a challenge as we move into the 21st century. There are two essential challenges that will occur going into the next century and the management practices and organizational. Structure will have to change to accommodate them. The advent of the Internet as well as telecommuting is both relatively new business components. Each of them has advantages as long as business management and organizational structure change with them."
Abstract This essay discusses the competing claims of both the stockholder and the stakeholder approaches to corporate social responsibility. The author provides an explanation for corporate social responsibility and puts forth arguments for similarities and differences in the stockholder and stakeholder approaches to this movement. Evidence to support these arguments are provided throughout the paper.
From the Paper " Before discussing the competing claims, it must be understood what is meant by the term corporate social responsibility. Corporate social responsibility is just one aspect of business ethics and has become increasingly important for companies operating in the global economy. It is a fast developing and increasingly competitive field. There is no single, commonly accepted definition of corporate social responsibility but it generally refers to the idea that businesses are accountable for the effects of their actions on the community and should seek socially and economically beneficial results. It involves operating a business in a way that meets ethical and legal standards as well as meeting public expectation. Decisions taken by managers need to satisfy the needs of the community and companies must be accountable for the way in which their results are achieved. Being socially responsible is based on the idea that businesses are not isolated organizations but are integrated with the whole society and have dramatic effects on society's problems, structure and its future."
Abstract This paper examines the role of the Italian mafia as a business like any other, and its long history in the United States. The author discuses how the mafia's illegal and legal enterprises help propel our capitalist society, and how their ties with major labor unions enable them to dominate major industries. The paper also looks at how the Italian mafia works with other ethnic crime organizations, such as the Russian mafia, and Colombian drug cartels.
From the Paper "The mafia is a loose term in our country, as we as Americans are fascinated by the mysteriousness of it. Movies, books, plays, and now even a television series have been made depicting different real life stories regarding the mafia. The television show The Sopranos gives a great rendition about life in New Jersey as a mobster. This show allows viewers to see both sides of the story when thinking about gangsters. One is able to see their ruthless side in some situations, and then also the way they conduct business. Much of the business they conduct is with people who know what situation they are in, and are willing to accept the terms, based on a mutual agreement. In recent years, there have been several cases where a mafia member would go against their former family in order to lighten their jail sentence, breaking their code of conduct known as Omerta. The United States is a capitalist and free market society. The mafia helps in the expansion and existence of this capitalist society by their influences in legal and illegal businesses, with the help of political parties and leaders that are best placed to help them."
Abstract This paper takes a look at George Ritzer's theory of McDonaldization to describe a sociological incident that is occurring in our culture. McDonaldization, according to Ritzer, is, "The process by which the principles of the fast food business are coming to dominate more and more sectors of American society as well as the rest of the world."
From the paper:
"Ritzer has broken down this phenomenon into four characteristics that include:
1. Efficiency - The optimum method of completing a task. The rational determination of the best mode of production. Individuality is not allowed.
2. Calculability - Assessment of outcomes based on quantifiable rather than subjective criteria. Easily said as quantity over quality.
3. Predictability - The production process is organized to guarantee uniformity of product and standardized outcomes.
4. Control - The substitution of more predictable non-human labor for human labor through automation or the deskilling of the work force."
An assessment of the competing claims of the stockholder stakeholder approaches to corporate social responsibility, and a look at similarities and differences of each type of approach to responsibility.
2,515 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 10 sources, 2001, $ 76.95
Abstract This essay will discuss the competing claims of both the stockholder and the stakeholder approaches to corporate social responsibility. An explanation for corporate social responsibility will be provided and arguments will be put forward for similarities and differences in the stockholder and stakeholder approaches to this movement. Evidence to support these arguments will be provided throughout the essay.
From the paper:
"Before discussing the competing claims, it must be understood what is meant by the term corporate social responsibility. Corporate social responsibility is just one aspect of business ethics and has become increasingly important for companies operating in the global economy. It is a fast developing and increasingly competitive field. There is no single, commonly accepted definition of corporate social responsibility but it generally refers to the idea that businesses are accountable for the effects of their actions on the community and should seek socially and economically beneficial results. It involves operating a business in a way that meets ethical and legal standards as well as meeting public expectation. Decisions taken by managers need to satisfy the needs of the community and companies must be accountable for the way in which their results are achieved."
Abstract This paper examines the way advanced technology improves health care. The author looks at various fields for improvement such as quality of health care, costs of health care and the storing of health care information. Included is an analysis of objectives and opportunities for this new system.
Table of Contents
Cover Page
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Problem Definition/Opportunity
Objectives
Data Analysis
Changes in the Health Care Delivery System?
Managed care"New Users of Health Information"
Integrated Delivery System
The Electronic Medical Record?
Content of Electronic Medical Records?
Advantages of Electronic Medical Records?
Disadvantages of Electronic Medical Records
Why is Protection of Medical Records Information Critical?
Examples of Misuse?
Improper Disposal?
Improper Disclosure?
Improper Access
Methods By Which Electronic Records May Be Protected
Current Federal and State Legislation
Federal Protections?
Privacy Act of 1974?
Freedom of Information Act of 1966?
Americans with Disabilities Act?
Medicare Conditions of Participation?
Constitutional Law
State Protections?
Statutes?
Common Law
Private Sector
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Findings
Recommendation
Bibliography
From the paper:
"Information technology promises many benefits to health care. By helping to make accurate information more readily available to providers, payers, researchers, administrators, and patients, advanced computing and communications technology can help improve the quality and lower the costs of health care. Information technology is becoming increasingly important to the health care industry as organizations attempt to find ways of lowering the costs of care while improving its quality. Much of the demand for information technology is driven by structural changes in the health care industry and its methods of care. At the same time, the prospect of storing health information in electronic form raises concerns about patient privacy and data security."
Abstract This paper examines the use of performance appraisals in the workplace. The three building blocks of performance appraisal are trait based, behavioral based, and rate based, all offer The author evaluates these three methods, and how they are affected by the habits of the supervisors conducting appraisals.
From the paper:
"An organization should be able to teach their supervisors the proper techniques for rating and having the appraisals implemented with high ethical consideration. "Managers, as well as, subordinates, are concerned about the politics and lack of fair treatment, honesty, and truthfulness within a performance review" (Axline, 1996, 44). To give an accurate representation of the performance an employee accomplishes two things should be done. One is that management should require appraisers who give poor ratings to document an outline procedure for improving performance and/or initiate termination."
Abstract This paper attempts to estimate what the real total economic cost of the Vietnam War was to the United States. The paper concludes that a reasonable estimate of the economic impact of the Vietnam War on the American economy is that an entire year's worth of productive activity was used to fight the war.
From the Paper "The Vietnam War was the defining experience for a generation of Americans. Indeed, it is arguably one of the defining experiences of America as a whole in the Twentieth Century. Its impact on the men who fought there, the men (and women) who did not, the American military in general, American society and popular culture during and following the war has been well documented. However, it was not just a life changing experience for soldiers and protestors, or a force for social change, or even an inspiration for thousands of books and dozens of movies. War is not least an economic event. In addition to being a military defeat, a political blunder and a human tragedy, the Vietnam War was also an economic disaster."
Abstract The following paper consists of an analysis performed on an example cash flow sheet. A summary of work performed and conclusions that can be drawn from this analysis are included. A fictitious company, Rainbow Paint Company, is used as a case in point with regards to cash flow and operations and profits in the future.
From the Paper "The statement of cash flows is a tool used to assess the capacity of a firm to achieve goals such as generate cash flow from operations, maintain and expand operating capacity, pay dividends to shareholders, pay debts including interest when due, generate future profits. The cash flow statement examines the flow of cash rather than net income.
The cash flow statement is divided into three sections Operating Activities, Investing Activities, and Financing Activities. Each section examines items, which increase cash and things that decrease cash".
Tags: shareholder, ration, sales, assets, shares, company, profit, income
Abstract This paper examines the dynamics and underlying causes of the Japanese economic revival that has occurred since the end of World War II, looking both at its economic components (such as the shift from agricultural to high-tech sectors) as well as the demographic and cultural elements that are just as important for understanding the Japanese economy.
From the Paper "The Japanese economic miracle is complex and can only be explained by looking to political, cultural, and economic reasons. It rests on the government's taking responsibility for social welfare, vocational training, and education. It rests on the responsibility taken by both consumers and producers for economic prosperity. It rests on the government's decision to concentrate on high-quality and high-technology products designed for domestic and foreign consumption and on the government's building stable, economically advanced trading partners to replace the Asian markets to which inexpensive textiles had been
sent earlier. A number of factors have greatly aided Japan's economic resurgence that began in the 1950s and has continued since then, among them (ironically) the complete destruction of the nation's industrial base by the war. This meant that Japan's new factories, using the latest developments in technology, were often more efficient than those of their foreign competitors. With the addition of a youthful and well-educated workforce, a high domestic savings rate that provided ample capital, and an activist government and bureaucracy that provided guidance, support, and subsidies, the ingredients were in place for rapid and sustained economic growth."
