Abstract This paper examines the different leadership styles that are effective in different situations. The research in this paper provides a framework to help managers motivate, asses, and plan. The author emphasizes the importance of planning and correct communication to avoid crisis and to promote managerial success.
From the Paper "There are many traits and styles of an effective leader. Each leader has a style that they prefer, however every situation requires a different style of leadership. A leader may have to change styles to get a job accomplished. According to an article written by Anne Breen, ? Leadership has often been described as a continuum of two extreme styles, autocratic and democratic. It appears that leadership styles vary from situation to situation.?"
Abstract This paper looks at all aspects of the computer industry, and its importance in our everyday lives. The author looks at the makeup of the current industry by examining several components - new entrants into the industry, the threat of substitutes, the bargaining power of buyers, as well as the bargaining power of the supplier's of the industry's basic materials.
From the Paper "After examining the supplier's and buyer's bargaining power we need to look at the competition. In this industry there are only a few key competitors. Dell, Gateway, IBM, Compaq and HP (soon to be one entity), and Apple are the main rivals in this industry, and the competition is fierce. Dell and Gateway have been the most innovative by including the "just-in-time" manufacturing to meet consumers specific needs, and HP and Compaq are going to merge, becoming the largest computer/printer producing company around. All of these computers are hard to decipher because of there high compatibility with each other (not Apple). The only thing that really sets them apart are their prices and reputation."
Abstract The writer analyzes and examines influence, power and politics in business organizations firstly by distinguishing between social influence, power, and organizational politics. Thereafter he characterizes the major varieties of social influence and discusses the conditions under which various forms of social influence are used. The major types of individual power in organizations are identified and the two major approaches to the development of subunit power in organizations are explained Finally, organizational politics and major ethical issues surrounding political behavior in organizations are discussed
From the Paper "Position power refers to formal powers that remain vested in the position and are available to any individual who holds a certain position or title. Coercive power is used to control punishments that others receive. Information power is used to control information needed by subordinates to do their jobs. Technological advances have made information more widely available, and so information power is not as crucial as it used to be. Legitimate power covers a relatively narrow range of influence and refers to power individuals have because others accept and recognize their authority. Reward power is used to control the rewards that subordinates receive."
Abstract Firms that operate in several countries face risks that are unique to the international arena. This paper discusses the risk of conducting business internationally. It looks at the significance of the foreign exchange rate risk and how this risk can be mitigated. The paper concludes that financial managers need to have a strategic plan that considers all of the risks that come with investing in a foreign market. Thorough planning for foreign investment is the determining factor in whether a company's overseas business will succeed or not.
From the Paper "Another risk that companies who conduct international business face is the difference in tax laws. Only after-tax cash flows are relevant for capital budgeting. Because of this, financial managers must account for taxes paid to foreign governments on profits earned within these various countries. Financial managers must also assess the impact of these tax payments on the parent company's United States tax liability, because full or partial credit is sometimes allowed for foreign tax payments."
Abstract This paper examines how, while many previously successful airlines are challenged with labour issues, unsustainable cost structures and complex pricing structures, WestJet succeeds by filling the gaps that the industry has left open through operational and strategic deficiencies. WestJet is perceived as an ?engine of the significant evolution in the airline industry.? It looks at how in 2003, WestJet was named Canada's second most respected company, ranking first in high quality product and customer service and second in HR management and top of mind categories. It also examines how standardized flights, low prices, humorous promotions and web-based ticketing are the most visible components of WestJet's marketing strategy and how the underlying key success factor stems from the organization's low-cost strategic thrust and the eight unique business strategy components that support it. This paper details an analysis of the airline industry, the components that form WestJet's competitive advantage, the future of WestJet and the strategic recommendations to sustain the organization's growth. Included is Porter's Five Forces Model, a competitive analysis of the airline industry and relevant article studies.
Outline
1.0 Industry Analysis: General Overview
2.0 Competitive Environment: Facing Industry Challenges
3.0 WestJet's Marketing Strategy: Achieving a Unique Position
4.0 Low-Cost: WestJet's Strategic Thrust
4.1 "No Frills" Product/Service
4.2 Single Aircraft Type
4.3 High Aircraft Utilization
4.4 Simplified Route Structure
4.5 Ticket-less Distribution
4.6 Intelligent Technological Systems
4.7 Humorous Promotional Tactics
4.8 Company Culture: Tying it all Together
5.0 The Future of WestJet: More Destinations, More Growth
6.0 Strategic Recommendations: Customers, Competitors and Growth
6.1 Customers
6.2 Competitors
6.3 Growth
Exhibit 1 - Porter's Five Forces Model ? Airline Industry
Exhibit 2 - Competitor Analysis
Exhibit 3 - Strategy ComponentsExhibit 4: Relevant Article Studies
From the Paper "In 1987 the government deregulated the Canadian airline industry, allowing airlines to establish fares and conditions without any intervention and dramatically changing the industry dynamics. It is with this change that the "low-cost" business model fully came to life. Though the subsequent merger of Air Canada (AC) with Canadian Airlines dominated the market for a short time (with AC gaining 80% control over the market), the airlines control over the Canadian skies has not lasted long. With the costs of running a traditional airline escalating, a new strategic thrust has been adopted by both current and new carriers in the market who are now taking advantage of the increased demand for a low-cost no-frills product. Though WestJet is currently dominating the no-frills Canadian market, with a 55% market share for scheduled domestic flights, they have inspired others to adopt the "low-cost" business model."
Abstract This paper discusses the home building industry, including 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 details three economic indicators.
Home Building History
Home Building Overview
Strengths and Weaknesses
Unemployment Rate
Gross Domestic Product
Recommendations
Housing Starts
Personal Income
Recommendations
Interest Rates
Inflation
Interest Rates versus Inflation
Recommendations
Conclusion
From the Paper "The home building industry has been around for many years. The design, shape, and style of homes have changed over time. The industry is quite different than it was many years ago. When people first began to build they did not layout and draw plans and specs for their home. The first homes were built with one or two rooms in the entire house. Today, they average home has over 6 rooms, When home building first started there was no set rules and regulations that builders had to follow, now we have organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration who helps set construction regulations for the home building industry. We also have NAHB (National Association Home Builders), which was started in 1942. The NAHB works with the state and local agencies to help establish government and legislature for home builders as well as establish affordable housing for everyone."
Abstract This paper focuses on two large retailers in the area of retail home improvements, Lowes and Home Depot, and compares and contrasts their financial ratios in a five-year trend table along with the most recent industry averages. The information presented in this report can be used to help determine the over-all financial status of these two companies.
Financial Ratios Used
Home Depot
Lowes
Efficiency Ratio Analysis
Liquidity Ratio Analysis
Leverage Analysis
Profitability Analysis
From the Paper "The inventory turnover ratio shows how many times per year a business can turn-over its inventory. In other words, this number represents how many times the business sells out of its inventory in a given year. This ratio is calculated by taking the cost of goods sold and dividing it by the average amount of inventory the business carries. Notice that these ratios are determined by the cost of goods sold because the inventory figures are carried on the boots at cost, not the price the merchandise will eventually sell for (Brealey, pg. 142). When comparing Lowe's and Home Depot to the industry average, we see that both companies' ratios were 5.0 for the year 2003 and the industry average was 4.8. This means that for the year 2003, both Lowe's and Home Depot were able to turn over their inventory a bit faster than the industry as a whole. "
Abstract This is a paper about internet marketing research, and uses Nike and it's women's products as a case study to show how this is an effective marketing tool in today's market. The paper gives a brief history of Nike, and looks at its share of the women's market, it's competitors and different ways in which Nike has tried to distinguish itself from the other companies in the women's market.
From the Paper "Now we see more and more women becoming physically active and we also see more women's sports being acknowledged, such as the Women's National Basketball Association. Our views towards women as athletes are finally changing for the better. Nike picked up on this and realized that they had a new market to really focus on. Nike Goddess was developed through a very solid marketing strategy, which had much research, and planning behind it. The site should do very well with these young female "Gen-Xers" and "Gen-Yers"."
Abstract This paper examines the financial condition and performance of the Boeing Company, a publicly held company for the year 2001. Annual reports filed by Boeing in accordance with the General Accepted Accounting Principles and Securities and Exchange Commission regulations serve as primary data sources. Industry average financial ratios, outlook, and data are used to gauge Boeing's financial status. Recommendations are presented based upon analysis, generally accepted management practice and research.
From the Paper "The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center caused a major negative economic effect throughout the United States and the world. Airlines were severely impacted do to a sudden and huge drop in passengers (Siegel, M., p. 551). Air travel has still not fully recovered from this catastrophic event. The resultant drop in commercial jet orders has hurt Boeing (Friedman, p 13). In the third quarter of 2001, Boeing experienced a 46% decrease in orders compared to 2000 (Friedman, p. 19). The commercial aircraft segment accounted for about 60% of Boeings revenues before September 11 (Standard & Poor's, 2002, p. 2). Deliveries for aircraft are expected to be 380 for 2002 vs.527 in 2001 (Siegel, M., p. 551). As reported in the 2001 Consolidated Statement of Operations, Boeing recorded a $935 million charge for "special charges due to events of September 11, 2001" (Boeing, p. 35). "
Tags: accounting, aerospace, aircraft, analysis, boeing, defense, financial, finanical, ratio
Abstract This paper examines certain theories that make people work harder to achieve their goals. This paper shows that our behaviors, particularly our desire to strive to achieve a goal, are influenced by several factors and that these factors can be manipulated to control behavior. The author examines the idea that a person's perception of his ability to achieve success is more important than his actual ability to do so.
From the Paper "A manager who constantly threatens with punishment and tells his employees they are worthless and lazy can expect nothing more than to have worthless, lazy employees. If he tells his employees that they are the best in the business, then he can expect no more than the best efforts that his employees can give. Involving the employees in decisions and letting them make suggestions will give them a more internal locus of control. Setting reasonable goals and giving positive encouragement to achieve them will make them want to do even more than expected. Applying the principles of expectancy/value theory and attribution theory can cause employees to be self-motivated into achieving ever-greater levels of success."
Abstract This paper examines the issue of globalization and shows how it affects organizational structure, technology, communications, product development, service delivery, people and training. The writer examines the fact that it is the biggest force driving corporate change today and how these changes effect the managers and their business policies.
From the Paper "Just as the Depression, The Cold War Era, the Space Age, and the Roaring 20's are used to describe certain periods of history, the Era of Globalisation is becoming the term to describe our political, economic, and cultural atmosphere of today (New era replaces Cold War and Space Age:www.about.com/newissues_globalization). Globalisation is the integration of economic trade among countries around the world. However, it is much more than that. It allows social activists, labor organizers, journalists, academics, and many others to work on a global stage as if national borders do not exist (New era replaces Cold War and Space Age:www.about.com/newissues_globalization)."
Abstract A report on B2B (Business - to - Business) models. Reviews the web sites of merisel.com, kellypaper.com and intellibusiness.com. Evaluates how these sites are set up for value-added suppliers and other business users. With the use of well-planned business models, many B2Bs have jumped on to the information technology train and are experiencing improved profit margins through supply chain efficiencies-from purchasing, to manufacturing and selling. In addition to simply sharing forecasts and products, successful B2Bs work jointly to provide greater supply chain services, and ultimately larger profits for all partners involved.
From the Paper "Although business-to-business activities occur both offline and online, the acronym B2B has come to be known and described as the online version. There is much hype given to the potential size of B2B markets and how much bigger it may get than the online business-to-consumer (B2C) world. The gravy train that drives these expectations is the hopes that information technology (IT) will deliver an inflection point in productivity and economic growth. With the use of well-planned business models, many B2Bs have jumped on this gravy train and are experiencing improved profit margins through supply chain efficiencies-from purchasing, to manufacturing and selling. "
Abstract The paper discusses the pros and cons of globalization. Advantages explored are assisting the world with its cultural barriers, the expansion of the business world and the benefits to the medical and scientific communities. The negative aspects discussed are the loss of individuality and the Americanization of the world. The paper shows that while the negative aspects can be harmful to many years of culture, the process itself and the result of the process overall is a positive thing for mankind - the ability to communicate and work with other nations and cultures will serve to improve business, societal functions and the medical advances for mankind.
From the Paper "Another negative aspect of the current globalization process is the dehumanizing of people. Because the world can click a mouse now and converse with people worldwide they are less apt to leave their homes and have person-to-person, face-to-face meetings. This newfound way of communicating is a positive in that it connects people worldwide who might otherwise never have interfaced, however it can also prevent the face to face interaction that is so important to our mental health(Friedman, 2001)."
Tags: American, capitalism, Lexus, McDonald?s, communication
Abstract The paper discusses a draft memo written up by Terry Technotic, the CEO of Acme Enterprises, informing his employees of an intended change-over to Cranberry Computers within the company. The paper shows why this particular memo will cause Acme problems and resistance and thereafter offers solutions in the form of organizational change principles and other plans.
From the Paper "For Acme's change to Cranberry Computers to be effective, there is a need to plan for it with the objective of understanding the issues involved, determine in advance the entire process of implementation of change phasing (temporal and spatial) and put in place processes that initiate, motivate, diagnose, collect information, allow for debate and deliberation, finally leading to an action proposal for implementation such that the change to Cranberry is institutionalized, with the full co-operation and buy-in of all employees."
Abstract A review of "Ethics in Accounting" by Ireen Baset and how it addresses the contemporary ethical issues related to the accounting and financial decision-making process. Examines how the article treats the challenge, faced by employers, managers, administrators and employees alike, of adequately incorporating ethical values into the daily work schedule.
From the Paper "On the same account, a real estate company where the entire corporate dealings depend upon the efficiency and the sense of morality of the accountants must make relentless efforts to effectively communicate corporate ethics. This can be best done through the planning and implementation as well as the continuous maintenance of a sound and a pragmatic internal ethical program, that is putting down ethical rules in black and white for the organizational staff, employees and the first-line supervisors."
