This paper is a study of how globalization has affected the workplace and examines how this diversity has transformed the face of the work environment.
Abstract This paper discusses how diversity in the work place has affected business practices in the United States. The author explores different diverse populations such as gender, age, race and personalities and discusses the problems and benefits of having such diversity in any given company. Using different examples, the author also presents some solutions to various problems that may arise as a result of this new diverse work environment.
From the Paper "As the world continues the process of globalization workplace diversity is becoming more and more common. The world will only become grayer as cultural and geographical walls are dismantled and in their place a blended society will emerge. The diversity in the workplace is something that has been addressed in seminars and theory classes for many years but the actuality of its existence on a day-to-day basis is something that is fraught with benefits as well as negatives. Diversity in the workplace can be a positive aspect for any company if it is cultivated as a positive aspect, or it can turn negative with the wrong handling. There are many ways to encourage and grow positive diversity in the workplace and with that success the workplace will flourish."
This paper is an extensive company review that is used to develop a marketing strategic plan for Nike, Inc., which sells sports shoe accessories, sports equipment, and apparels for men, women and children.
Abstract The paper states that Nike is a very strong company and is doing very little wrong now, but it still has potential to grow. The team recommends that Nike develop a sister company to compete against the threat of low priced shoes. Very attractive paper with many pictures, tables and graphes.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Competition
Industry Overview
Inside Nike
Future
Background
Mission Statement
External Audit
Opportunities
Social
Technological
Environmental
Economic
Political/Legal
Threats
Social
Technological
Environmental
Economic
Political/Legal
Porter's Five-Forces Model
Rivalry
Potential Entry of New Competitors
Threat of Substitute Goods
Bargaining power of Suppliers
Bargaining power of Buyers
External Factor Evaluation Matrix (EFE Matrix)
Competitive Profile Matrix (CPM)
Internal Audit
Strengths
General Management
Marketing
Operations
Human Resources
Research and Development
Weaknesses
General Management
Marketing
Operations
Human Resources
Financial Analysis of Nike, Inc.
Performance of Nike in the Last Five Years
Valuation
Key Ratios & Statistics
Key Investment Positives
Fashion Trends
Opportunities Internationally
Brand Name and Global Market Share
Positive Inflection Point in U.S. Demographics
Inroads with Female Customers
Key Investment Risks
Potential for Loss of U.S. Market Share
Lower-Margin Business
The Mid-Price Shoe Segment
Entrepreneurial Culture
Exposure to Fashion Trends and Private-Label Goods
Air Jordan's Popularity
Marketing Overview
Perceptual Mapping of the Footwear industry
Internal Factor Evaluation Matrix (IFE Matrix)
Tows Matrix
Internal/External Matrix (I/E Matrix)
Strategies
Sister-Company Pro-Forma Income Statement
Conclusion
Appendix 1-9
From the Paper "In terms of social responsibility, one of the major criticisms against Nike is the bad working conditions in its centers abroad. However, Nike has developed a code of conduct (See Appendix) for its employees in order to curbs such criticisms as well as others that might occur in the future. The Former U.N. Ambassador even suggested to Nike a few ways in which employee's grievances could be addressed and its compliance with human rights standards. At the same time, Nike also has developed several youth programs like P.L.A.Y. to promote fitness, literacy and activeness in sports. Nike also formed the N.E.A.T (Nike Environmental Action Team) to pursue environmental objectives by introducing concepts like recyclable shoes (Reuse-A-Shoe program), which uses recycled material in the shoes. Nike also has taken steps to hire minority workers."
Abstract This paper concludes that McDonald's greatest strengths are its brand image, its global reach and immense financial resources. Its weaknesses are its inflexibility and inability to adapt easily to changing tastes. The opportunities lay primarily in a rapidly growing consumer market in developing countries and an undertapped market for adults in developed countries. The company's greatest threat is competition and the insecurity of infinite demand for its core products.
Abstract This paper provides some research into "Positive Accounting Theory" and how it impacts on the economy. The paper begins with an explanation of the theory itself and then offers some statistics and findings regarding the consequences of its use by management.
Contents:
Introduction
Explaining the Theory
Economic Cconsequences
The Development of Positive Accounting Theory
How Positive Accounting Theory Operates
Mnagament Decisions
Watts and Zimmerman
Research and Findings
An Example of a PAT study
Conclusion
From the Paper "Positive Accounting Theory and the doctrine of economic consequences helps us to understand why different firms choose different accounting policies, why some managers may object to changes in these policies and why investors may react to the potential impact of an accounting policy change. Accounting policy choices have economic consequences for the various constituencies of financial statement users and though complicating the setting of accounting standards, the source of the pressures driving the process can be explained by the development of a positive theory of the determination of accounting standards."
Abstract This paper talks about the different qualities a person must have in order to be an effective leader. The paper lists vision, discipline, and dedication as some of the prerequisites of effective leadership. Different types of leadership styles are also discussed, as well as the differences in leadership styles between men and women.
From the Paper "Are leaders born with the characteristics that can help them lead and manage situations and people? Or, can some leadership qualities be learned over time? This debate has winning arguments for both issues. In today's world, the question of leadership and the impact of a leader on political, social and organizational development cannot be stressed enough. Leaders are able to identify their individual strengths and weaknesses; In addition, they have the ability to understand and evaluate their followers and the people with whom they surround themselves. The most important asset any leader can possess is vision. A leader without a vision may be able to motivate a group of people for some time using very topical and fleeting issues that might or might not affect the group. In order to be effective in the long-term, leaders have to be able to "sell" a plan or thought to his or her followers. Leaders need to provide followers with sufficient directions to attain the final goal and realize the mission of whatever dynamic they are leading. The ability of the leader to set goals and aims that can be attained with reasonable effort is important. Goals and dreams should be attainable; goals that appear very unrealistic and far-fetched will often act as a de-motivating force for the followers."
Abstract This paper examines how, while diversity is often a term used to refer specifically to cultural differences, diversity actually applies to all the qualities on which people can differ. In particular, it looks at how, from a management perspective, the key to diversity is to understand how different types of diversity and different demographic characteristics impact human behavior. This is considered by looking at four types of diversity: occupation, differences in skills and abilities, personality traits, and value and attitudes.
Outline
Occupation
Differences in Skills and Abilities
Personality Traits
Values and Attitudes
From the Paper "One type of diversity is occupation, with this having an impact on individual behavior. For example, an individual in a professional occupation is more likely to make their own decisions and is also more likely to reject being managed too strongly. The case of a medical doctor is one example. A medical doctor considers themselves an expert on their area and is also likely to consider that nobody else has the same expertise. Based on this, the individual is likely to make their own decisions and to act independently. The same also applies to other professional occupations such as lawyers and scientists. This can be contrasted with positions that are generally considered as requiring less expertise."
Abstract This paper examines how there are numerous methods of scanning the environment, which include PEST and SWOT analyses and Porter's Five Forces. It looks at how these are used to detail and critically analyse the main market and industry factors that a company should consider when deciding upon market entry strategies in the global playing field. It dicusses how one of the most important aspects of a firm's entry strategy is the actual mode of entry and therefore refers to the main modes of exporting, licensing, franchising, joint ventures and wholly owned subsidies (WOS) to illustrate how market and industry factors affect the entry mode choice. Specific reference is given to entering the Japanese market, using Boots, Starbucks, Toys ?R? Us and BMW as case studies.
Outline
Introduction
Market Entry Strategy Decisions
PEST analysis
Political
Economic
Social
Technical
Japan in the Late-1990s
SWOT Analysis
Porter's Five Forces Model
Conclusions
References
Other sources
From the Paper "Many businesses are continually looking to expand and develop their consumer and market base, through the internationalisation of their operations, in order to take advantage of overseas markets. Levels of uncertainty and complexity increase when entering and expanding into more diverse markets outside the home nation, therefore it is crucial that companies have clear strategies (Lim et al., 1996). The decision to enter a new market will be determined by the corporate culture and individual company objectives (Sumrall, 2003), which include the level of resources the company is prepared to commit; the amount of control desired; and the level of risk the company is prepared to take (Tse et al., 1997; Chung and Enderwick, 2001). However, since a company looking to operate internationally will not function in isolation, the external environment should also be considered. The process of environmental scanning, whereby information about the internal and external environment is gathered and analysed, is a vital aid in strategic decision-making (Muralidharan, 2003). Environmental scanning details the many market and industry factors that need to be considered when making decisions on how and when to enter a new market."
Abstract This paper begins with a brief explanation of the theoretic basics of budgeting and then proceeds with an analysis of the budgeting policies of the Atlantico Company. The paper concludes with recommended alterations for Atlantico's financial policy. Included at the beginning of this paper are different tables on Atlantico budgets, an income statement, and a balance sheet.
From the Paper "Another advantage budgeting is that is confers managers increased control on the business, based on variance analysis. Noticing unfavorable variances may trigger certain responses, which have the capacity to solve the already existing problems and to prevent future ones from appearing. For instance, if costs are too high, waste may be cut out or an expensive supplier might be changed. Should the sales be too low, a supplementary effort in advertising, promotion or sales could prove useful. If there is a problem with low production, the manager could look for bottlenecks in order to remove them or he/ she could try to raise labor efficiency."
Abstract This paper discusses the financial risks of conducting business internationally, while addressing the significance of foreign exchange rate risks.
From the Paper "Another overlapped risk factor is external accounts. A country's external debt level can become unmanageable, thus making them a poor credit risk for international business. Countries generate foreign reserves from export and import trading, but the balance of this trading and the debt incurred is a financial risk if handled improperly. This financial risk is directly related to another financial risk factor, political risks. Szabo Associates, Inc. states, "Analysis of the political outlook of a country is at least, if not more, important than analysis of economic and financial matters." Changes in a country's leadership or political structure can directly affect international financial business and risks."
Abstract This paper examines the case of Continental Group, Inc., and assesses the four business divisions it has diversified into to determine what its next course of action should be. Alternatives are proposed and recommendations made.
From the Paper "The Continental Group case presents a number of critical issues for the company. The primary issue is the diversification into four business areas-packaging financial services energy and forest products. "
From the Paper "The use of the Euro dollar will not only increase profits and market shares of businesses but also the costs associated with exchange-rate fluctuations. Instead of having to deal with 11 separate currencies, U.S. companies will only have to deal with one. One currency will also increase the efficiency of the European economy as a whole. The use of the Euro is expected to add a half percent to the growth rate of the European economy, which could make investing in Europe even more desirable for U.S. companies."
Abstract This paper looks at the extent that American Industry relies on global outsourcing. It focuses on the dependency that the software industry has on labor markets in places such as India and the effects these kinds of practices have on the local economy and society.
From the paper:
"Outsourcing is the practice of subcontracting some or all of a company's information systems services to another firm. The approach has been around for many years, and corporations have been subcontracting work to low-cost labor areas for years, but in the past, this practice was limited to data entry job. In the 1990s, outsourcing began to grow by 15% a year, according to the Yankee Group, and the approach generated a huge amount of discussion, attention and renewed interest among business leaders in the United States and abroad. "
From the Paper "Outsourcing is the practice of subcontracting some or all of a company's information systems services to another firmThe approach has been around for many years, and corporations have been subcontracting work to low-cost labor areas for years, but in the past, this practice was limited to data entry job. In the 1990s, outsourcing began to grow by 15% a year, according to the Yankee Group, and the approach generated a huge amount of discussion, attention and renewed interest among business leaders in the United States and abroad. For instance, there were highly publicized, large outsourcing contracts by Eastman Kodak Company, Continental Bank, and General Dynamics, among other firms."
Tags: India, work, ethics, subcontracting, society, labor, trade, taxation, benefits
Abstract The following paper discusses the attitudes and strategies that should be used to get the best results from employees, what it takes to keep employees motivated, the attitude of the boss and different attitudes of employees and how it affects their job. All of the latter are discussed with reference to research studies of selected companies and their organizational patterns of behaviour.
From the paper:
"It is well known by Human Resources Personnel and Managers that positive employee attitudes create positive actions toward organizational goals. Employee attitude is increasingly cited in surveys as the number one performance-related issue of companies, both large and small. As attitudes deteriorate, so do commitment, loyalty and, most importantly, performance. In this research paper we are particularly looking at physical labor jobs such as landscaping, construction, farm workers and other environments which do not take place in an office settings."
Abstract This study was undertaken with a purpose of analyzing and making recommendations based on the analysis of situation and strategy identified within the mountain bicycle industry. In particular, close attention is paid to Cannondale Corporation, the leading manufacturer and marketer of high-performance aluminium bicycles and its immediate rivals. Assessment of the nature and strength of competitive forces in the mountain bike industry is based on the five factors analysis and allow to identify key success factors that are a must for survival and profitability of any company that operates in the mountain bicycle industry. A graphical representation of current rivals allows to judge strength of the competition in the industry and influence the choice of alternatives and eventual recommendations for Cannondale corporation.
From the Paper "The global bicycle industry, including bicycles, parts and accessories, is estimated to have total retail sales in excess of $20 billion. The bicycle-manufacturing segment of the industry produces approximately 100 million units per annum. The global market for bikes is reported to be dominated by just a few big players, many of whom seem to bounce from owner to owner, and from cash crisis to cash crisis, on a distractingly regular basis. (bikebiz.com). Even though people seem to be "saturated" with bicycles and the mountain bike boom is proclaimed to be over (bikebiz.com), comments of the cyclist community allow to conclude that the industry's and segment's decline is not likely. It was also noted that the worldwide cycling industry is waiting for the "next big thing" in cycling which will likely shift position of major players in the industry if they can't keep up with the trend."
Abstract "The Gap" is among the most successful retailers in the North American market, with sales of over $13.8 billion in 2001 and close to 4,500 stores worldwide. This paper provides a historical picture of "The Gap's" marketing strategy over the years, analyzes the strengths, weaknesses and outcomes of the approach, and describes recommendations for improvement.
From the Paper "The Gap has had a number of innovative successful advertising campaigns. The 1988 "Individuals of Style" image campaign was extremely successful (Sommers, et.al., 1998) in promoting its basic clothing and illustrating how individuals could personalize the merchandise. This campaign featured black-and-white photos in print and outdoor ads. This campaign was replicated in 2001, but did not receive the degree of popularity and media attention that the earlier version received. The 1997 "Khakis Swing" campaign provided another successful advertising endeavor through television ads that were complemented by print ads in a similar style. According to a USA Today poll (n.d.), approximately one-third of all respondents polled gave the campaign the highest possible rating for likability and effectiveness, ten percentage points higher than the average."
