Abstract A paper which discusses the legal and ethical issues involved in operating globally. It is noticed that many multinational companies can run into trouble when establishing their businesses overseas because they fail to take local laws and culture into consideration. The paper shows that this can be avoided if the company pays attention to the religious and cultural beliefs of the people in foreign countries and also abide by the trade and business laws of those lands.
From the Paper "It is also important to take into account their religious beliefs because religion normally plays an important role in all third world countries. For example in Pakistan, they wouldn"t allow a fast food chain to operate if it doesn"t use HALAL meat. By HALAL, they are simply referring to meat, which has been prepared according to their religious rituals. It is important thus to follow those practices because there is no chance of gaining any success if a fast food or any other restaurant chain forgets to take into account this important law. We are taking examples of restaurants only for the sake of ease and convenience in explanation of laws, but it must be kept in mind that laws applies to every business no matter what its nature is."
Abstract The author states that Starbucks grew from a small start-up to a multinational billion-dollar empire. It has become an immensely successful business not only because it has a backup from shareholders? only but also because management pays close attention to the various segment of the business. Although there are some signs of weaknesses, the effects of these weaknesses will not be prominent until much later.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Success
Internal Environment
Financial Resources
Performance and Management
Operations Requirements
Human Resources Demands
Marketing
Capabilities and Concerns
Conclusion
From the Paper "Ironically, the company has spent less on advertising, only $20 million as compared to other companies of its magnitude. The company depends on word of mouth to promote its products. That is the reason why it focuses on brand equity and quality at all levels of its management, right from the management decision to coffee processing timing. "
Abstract The paper examines the claim that unions are a cause of corruption in many industries in the USA due to the misuse of their power and influence. It looks at the harm done by the unions in the economical, social, political and religious arenas. It brings up corruption in federal grants, unionism in schools, corruption effects in heavy manufactured goods industry and unionism abuse at a steel mill.
From the Paper "Unionism refers to the power that resides in a group of people sharing common interests. This force, influence, or power exists by virtue of unification. Unions exist throughout the United States each created under the slogan of "safeguarding the rights of the respective union's members". However, the case does not remain the same once the presence of power and the ability to exercise it is realized. Today, these unions are a cause of corruption in many industries nationwide due to the misuse of their power and influence where by they cause great economical, social, political and religious harm to the country."
Abstract Using the Ford Motor Company as an example, this paper looks at the concept of management of change and the future. It studies the current management trend that will shape Ford, manufacturing trends and globalization. It concludes by making proposals for the company's future.
From the Paper "Perhaps the most catastrophic incident in the life of the Ford Motor Company has been the bad publicity of Firestone fiasco. As a result of the discrepancies of claims, the poor quality of the products as well as the neglect of management at all levels, the company had to recall thousands of units. This is not mention the scandal that resulted in loss. According to one author, while the company had been busy promoting, there was no one who would take care of the product."
Abstract This paper analyzes the book "Absolut : Biography of a Bottle" by Carl Hamilton and discusses the story of how Absolut Vodka emerged as an unknown product and with a unique marketing strategy managed to conquer the United States market.
From the Paper "The first step in the story is the proposal Gunnar Broman, head of Sweden's top advertising agency, made to New York executives in 1978. At this time the belief was that all good vodka came from Russia. In reality, vodka had been being produced in Sweden for centuries, but the cultural belief in America was that vodka came from Russia."
Abstract The paper shows that more than two years after its collapse, the state of the Thai Baht was still being discussed as one of the crucial economic international events of 1997, one that threatened to bring the world's developing economies to the brink of chaos. The paper investigates the cause of this crisis and the results which are still felt today.
From the Paper "However, this bubble, created by industrial expansion and an overvalued currency, could not last indefinitely. Thai domestic factors began to come into play. The country began to be marked by rising wages of low-skilled laborers and consequent cost increases in production of exportable goods. This eroded Thai competitiveness in labor-intensive goods vis-a-vis late-starting industrial states such as China and Vietnam. Thailand's trade deficit mounted. Also, newly-rising industrial states such as China and Vietnam were attracting new and greater rates of foreign investment, diverting funds that had once been invested in Thailand for the same purposes. Thai exports, which recorded a hefty growth of 24% in 1995, flattened to an almost negligible percentage a year before the baht's collapse."
Tags: International, Monetary, Fund, Bank, of, Thailand, banking, short-term, debt
Abstract The paper shows that a performance measurement system is an important tool in managing an organization as it allows an organization to define what is important to it and helps an organization ensure that its objectives are met. It shows, too, that the more complex an organization becomes, the more important an effective performance measurement system becomes. The paper covers areas such as key performance indicators (KIP's) and balanced scoreboards.
From the Paper "With many departments, management can lose sight of overall objectives. Having to assess and define the measurement system allows the company to clearly define what is most critical to its success. An effective management system then allows the company to monitor these factors and have a clear picture of the progress of the company. This is essential for monitoring the operations of the company and ensuring strategic objectives are being met."
Abstract This paper examines the history of General Motors and its current economic status. The writer explains the four geographical regions that GM operates in, and compares the results of each of these. It then looks at GM's sales - its major successes and its less popular cars. The current economic slump in the United States has also had its effect on GM and this problem is analyzed, including examining the latest financial reports of the company.
From the Paper "General Motors was founded in 1908 and has been the largest manufacturer, designer, building and marketer of cars and trucks throughout the world since 1921. It sells vehicles in more than 200 countries worldwide and maintains assembly, manufacturing, distribution or warehousing operations in 53 of these countries. In 2000, it sold 8.6 million cars and trucks ? constituting 15.1% of the entire world vehicle market (the world's biggest share) at $4.5 billion net sales and $184.6 billion in revenues. (General Motors). It envisions itself as the enduring world leader in transportation products and related services, whose goal is "to maintain this position through enlightened customer enthusiasm and continuous improvement, driven by the integrity, team work and innovation" of its employees. (General Motors)"
Tags: motor, vehicle, transport, market, global, ford, loss, manufacture, car
Abstract This paper considers how computers have influenced the workplace environment and provides a competitive advantage to its users. The paper also examines how the value may not be as great as perceived by considering the productivity paradox. The author notes that the computer technology is only as good as the programmers running it.
From the Paper "The commercial environment has changed over the last few decades. One of the most influential factors has been the development of the computer. The technology has created a social and commercial revolution, increasing the speed and accuracy of communication reducing man hours for tedious tasks and creating new methods of analysis and business practice. However, there are many conflicting reports regarding the way that computers have been used and the benefits they may bring. Therefore, computers in the workplace may be seen as essential, but the value they add is sometimes questionable. In this paper we will consider the way that computer technology may be used and some of the problems we may find in seeking to assess the way it will adds to the value chain. However, when we look at computers, we must understand that it is not only computers that we need to consider, but the programmes that they run, as without these they have no value."
Abstract This paper describes the effects of the decrease of labor unions on the labor market. It examines why unions are declining and the trends that are occurring.
From the Paper "Since 1979 the percentage of union workers in the United States has declined from twenty-four percent to fourteen percent. However, forty-eight percent of workers in this country would join if presented with a free, non-coerced choice, thus union membership would more than triple overnight. Unionists though know all to well that the National Labor Relations Act gives employers plenty of way to prevent workers from exercising freedom of association. One example is the Act's guarantee of the right to organize is so poorly enforced that roughly four percent of all worker who vote union are fired by their employers. Moreover, union organizers cannot keep pace with the loss of union jobs to outsourcing, automation, and job export."
Abstract This paper discusses yield management, an economic stratagem that analyzes change in a demand pattern with a view to optimizing the profitability of a business, and how airline companies can benefit from it.
From the Paper " We are in a period of time where the increasing competition forces businesses to formulate flexible as well as profitable strategies. Today management is more focussed upon understanding the subtle differences in the nature of relationship between demand and its determinants. The degree of responsiveness of demand with respect to changes in the determinants (factors) has become a subject of close introspection for the management. "Elasticity of demand" is an important factor and plays a crucial role in the management decision-making process. Yield management is nothing but an economic stratagem that is applied in response to the change in demand pattern and with a view to optimizing the profitability of the business. "
Abstract This paper analyzes the accounting firm, Arthur Andersen and describes the role Andersen played in the Enron collapse. The paper uses this case to illustrate the debate of whether or not auditing should be separated from consulting. The writer states that the Andersen debacle has been instrumental in informing the public of the flaws of businesses in a capital market.
From the Paper "In recent months the standards of the accounting profession have been the subject of great scrutiny. At the forefront of this ongoing debate is the accounting firm of Arthur Andersen. The firm has been found guilty of obstruction of justice in the Enron case on the grounds that the company shredded valuable documents relating to the financial collapse of Enron. The purpose of this paper is to explore whether or not auditing should be separated from consulting."
Abstract This paper discusses theories of business ethics, starting with a general definition of business ethics. The marketing practices of Toys R Us and Home Depot are examined in light of that definition. The tobacco industry is then briefly considered.
From the Paper "The issue of Business Ethics has been discussed by a number of management experts, corporate executives and business professionals. In recent years, organizations have started to adopt a realistic approach while considering the moral aspects of their businesses. As the awareness level among the general public is increasing and people are expecting the companies to be more socially and morally responsible, organizations have started to seriously consider the ethical aspects of their business. In this regard, a lot has been discussed by management gurus and several theories have been presented. The objective of this paper is to discuss these theories and concepts in terms of a typical highly competitive market environment."
Abstract The goal of any organization is to increase motivation within the company, with the operational plan being developed to meet this objective. This paper briefly discusses the role of the manager, the role of the organization and the incentives required.
From the Paper "Firstly, it is critical that employee actions are aligned with organizational goals. This has been described, "employees can be all fired up about their work and be working very hard. However, if the results of their work don't contribute to the goals of the organization, then the organization is not any better off than if the employees were sitting on their hands" (McNamara et al.) The first step then, is for the organization to determine what it requires its employees to be motivated towards, with this directly linked to organizational goals."
Abstract This paper discusses the current problems of business ethics in the framework that corporations have long struggled with corporate social responsibility and the overriding corporation goal to make a profit. The paper concludes that, despite the damage done to the reputation of big business ethics by companies like Enron and WorldCom, the outlook for the continued encouragement and development of ethically conscious companies is good. The author states that business and government leaders are developing a business environment that is more accepting and encouraging of ethically conscious businesses.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Corporate Social Responsibility and Individual Rights
Business Ethics and Enron
Business Ethics at WorldCom Inc.
Preventing Future Enron and WorldCom?s
Lessons from Enron and WorldCom
Ethical Corporations and Profit
Conclusion
From the Paper "The concept of corporate social responsibility has been debated for as long as the capitalist system has existed, and is one of the most important cornerstones of business ethics. Corporate social responsibility includes all decisions that are made within an organization that are linked to ethical values, and compliance with existing laws. Corporate social responsibility is closely tied to the respect for individuals and communities, animals and plants, and the environment as a whole."
