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."
Abstract This research paper describes to the average internet user the possible abuse of copyright laws. The paper investigates the legality of companies such as Napster, which is organized downloading or file sharing services. It states the basic goals of copyright law and looks at new technologies, such as MP3 players.
From the Paper "When an artist writes a song or a novelist writes a book, copyright laws protect his or her ideas. Copyright laws protect and secure a person's creativity, their originality and his or hers product so that others will not gain a profit from their work. Companies such as Napster, an Internet file sharing service, break these laws. However, downloading music off the Internet is not technically illegal."
Tags: kazaa, metallica, music, napster, sharing, web, wide, world
Abstract This paper examines the use of the Just-in-time manufacturing method. It describes the key strategy behind just-in-time manufacturing: less inventory means more cash, which is good for most businesses, and demonstrates the application of this principal. The author writes that with Just-in-time manufacturing, stock is wasteful and eliminated, but there are also negative effects on the environment involved in this alternative process.
From the Paper "Just-in-time manufacturing is a method of manufacturing goods that was developed by Toyota in the 1980?s. Since that time, many companies around the world have begun to successfully implement just-in-time processes, including several companies in the United States. (Maskell, 1989)
"Just-in-time manufacturing is a method of manufacturing in which non-value-adding activities (or are identified and removed for the purposes of reducing costs, improving quality, improving performance, improving delivery, adding flexibility and increasing innovativeness."
Tags: Production, and, Inventory, Control, Society, (APICS), toyota, inventory, just, in, time
From the Paper "Goldratt constructs The Goal as a split-track narrative which focuses on Al Rogo, a plant manager, who is presented as struggling to salvage both his ailing manufacturing plant and his expiring marriage. By juxtaposing two tales where collapse appears imminent, Goldratt heightens the story's narrative suspense while showcasing multiple instances where his innovative crisis management skills would be best applied. His twin focus reinforces his only slightly camouflaged attempt to establish philosophical underpinnings as the basis for all acts of problem solving. While The Goal centers upon developing improved management skills in the midst of crisis, equally it invests itself within the classical format of a quest narrative."
Abstract Finding the key to motivating employees is not a lesson easily learned, nor is it a lesson which, once learned, can be considered mastered. Instead, individual employees respond to different types of motivation in different ways, and successful supervisors develop comprehensive understanding of each of their employees and the corporate environment in which they operate. This research examines types of motivation and the components the go into successfully motivating employees to meet their goals and objectives.
From the Paper "Introduction
Finding the key to motivating employees is not a lesson easily learned, nor is it a lesson which, once learned, can be considered mastered. Instead, individual employees respond to different types of motivation in different ways, and successful supervisors develop comprehensive understanding of each of their employees and the corporate environment in which they operate. This research examines types of motivation and the components the go into successfully motivating employees to meet their goals and objectives.
Motivation Theories
Understanding motivation and performance begins with understanding that the workers are not necessarily to be blamed if their performance or motivation is not what the supervisor envisions. Instead of ..."
Abstract A look at the business policies and strategies of GE that have made it into such a successful company, according to Welch. It examines their marketing policies, thier unique treatment of employees and its policies for employee diversity. The history of the company is briefly discussed and the manner in which the company managed its stocks to ensure its success in recent years.
From the Paper "The historical success of General Electric is accounted in a very personal and real representation in Jack Welch's autobiography ?Jack Straight from the Gut.? The substantial nature of the exponential growth of General Electric from the time that Jack Welsh assumed the role of CEO until his retiring in 2001 is astounding. As an example, in 1980, GE Credit had 10 businesses and 11 billion in assets and was based only in North America. By 1990 GE Credit had 21 businesses 70 billion in assets and was based in three countries and by the year 2001 GE Capital as it is now known has 24 businesses 370 billion in assets and does business in 48 countries. Jack Welch gives credit to the diversity of business and a philosophy of controlled risk that provided consistent growth. (Welch 250)"
Abstract This paper focuses on the issue of email privacy and whether employers have the right to read and act on private email sent by employees from their workstations. The writer explores both sides of the issue and the laws that have pertained thus far. The paper argues that while it would be unethical to invade the privacy of an employee's life outside of the workplace, the careful monitoring of online activities from a business owned computer or during business hours of work is perfectly acceptable. Employees are paid to perform certain duties while at work communicating with friends or surfing the net. The paper shows that the ethics of employer monitored online activity can only be brought to the question if it moves into the off duty hours and activities of the employees.
From the Paper "A recent study by the American Management Association concluded that two-thirds of businesses in the country monitor their employee email on a regular basis. Surveillance technology has developed software allowing the electronic monitoring of email and the software sales for such products is expected to increase(Kelly, 2001). There are several reasons for the monitoring of employee email including concern over legal liability and the desire to monitor productivity of their paid work hours. ?Beyond productivity concerns, employers scrutinize employee email and web usage to avoid or mitigate potential legal liability for workplace sexual-harassment claims. Courts are increasingly finding employers liable for sexually harassing, hostile work environments when their employees use company equipment to transmit offensive e-mail or sexually explicit pictures(Kelly, 2001).""
Abstract Discusses elements of the TQM approach. TQM objectives, programs and implementation. Need for employee commitment. Pioneering wotk of Deming within TQM. His focus on concrete changes that can take place in an organization committed to quality. His qualitative techniques. Initial rejection of Deming's approach by U.S. companies. The acceptance of his ideas in Japan.
From the Paper "Introduction
Total Quality Management (TQM) is a management approach which seeks to establish zero defects in any part of an organization, and which uses teams, worker empowerment and creative problem solving to accomplish this aggressive goal. Originally developed for the manufacturing sector, TQM programs are now found throughout organizations, including marketing, production, finance and customer support. A TQM program encompasses all aspects of a company's operations, including its hiring and promotional practices, the way the company itself is structured, and the culture that the company develops. In some cases, TQM programs are implemented in companies that already have some quality emphasis; in other cases, TQM programs are laid into companies totally lacking a commitment to quality. The way in which TQM is implemented..."
Abstract This paper uses the strategic management model to evaluate Starbucks? management strategy, whose basic mission is to provide the highest level of service in their industry through people. The paper explains that Starbucks monitors the progress of the company's strategy through a continuous review of progress towards objective attainment. The author believes that Starbucks performs best when the company adheres closely to the core business activity of the corporation.
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Introduction
Assessment within the Framework of the Strategic Management Model
Company Mission and Social Responsibility
External Environment
Remote
Industry
Operating
Internal Analysis
Strategic Analysis and Choice
Long-term Objectives
Generic and Grand Strategies
Short-Term Objectives and Reward System
Functional Tactics
Policies That Empower Action
Restructuring, Reengineering and Refocusing the Organization
Strategic Control and Continuous Improvement
Recommendation
From the Paper "Starbucks is an American corporation that emphasized North American markets for most of its existence. Corporate strategy now considers markets beyond North America, with a special focus on continental Europe. The countries of continental Europe have imported most of their coffee over the past 100 years from Africa. The stronger flavor of African coffee preferred by continental European consumers does not bode well for the international coffee trader who hopes to introduce the milder Central and South American coffees to the region. Starbucks, however, has contracts with specific plantations located in Central America, where the company can exercise a great deal of control over the quality of the product."
Abstract This paper examines how effectual intercultural communication has become an increasingly significant topic in the American workplace and how the corporate environment is made up of a miscellaneous group of individuals who bring their own unique talents and cultures with them. It looks at how whenever cultural consensus in the workplace breaks down, it tends to be a result of differences in values, morals and ethics. It evaluates how it is important to realize that few aspects of organizational life are more important than intercultural communication and how one of the most valuable skills that a manager can possess is the ability to communicate effectively with others. This communication must bridge the gap that exists between workers who are from different races and cultural backgrounds.
From the Paper "Differences between co-workers are more apparent when we deal with people who are easily identified as being different from us i.e. they are from another country. But when these differences are subtle, it is easy to see how misunderstandings, confrontations, and serious conflicts may arise at work. ?Despite surface appearances, real differences remain, some of them more important than ever. ?Globalization,? as we're finding out, does not at all imply homogenization; quite the reverse. It means that we now have to deal with difference directly, instead of at a distance.? Like other aspects of culture, workplace differences should not be viewed as bad or good in and of themselves. There is no one "right" way to deal with any particular situation?but a managers actions will have consequences, and as he or she understands the connection between what they see, what they do, and the results they get, managers will be able to devise appropriate strategies."
Abstract This paper investigates the link between company strategy and structure by considering the company Starbucks. It describes the structure of the organization which is flat organizational with departmentalization by function. It attempts to analyze the problems that the current structure is likely to cause and makes suggestions as to what changes could be made as well as discussing their impact. It shows how the current structure of Starbucks matches with its strategy and how it is currently effective, although the quick expansion of Starbucks will require this structure to be adjusted. While this does create some problems, some planning can effectively eliminate these problems, while allowing Starbucks to adopt a new structure that will allow it to operate more effectively while continuing to expand.
From the Paper "The one problem that may occur as Starbucks expand is how to effectively manage so many locations. It must be noted that a major part of Starbucks' competitive advantage is related to its brand recognition. This means that if a customer has a bad experience in one retail store, it reflects poorly on Starbucks as a whole. Therefore, Starbucks needs to maintain effective control. However, as it expands, managing so many locations becomes more and more difficult. In addition, Starbucks is managing operations in a variety of states and overseas locations. While consistency is important, there may also be a need to change the approach to suit the conditions of the market. This may require Starbucks to alter its organizational structure and divide it by location as well as function."
Abstract This paper offers a brief review of Eric Schlosser's book "Fast Food Nation". The writer highlights the major issues in the book in 10 points. 1)Fast food is taken for granted in the U.S. 2)Americans spend billions of dollars on fast food. 3)French fries are the most common form. 4)Fries are the most fattening product. 5)The flavor industry is just as much to blame. 6)Fast food creates jobs. 7)Other health problems. 8)Worker safety. 9)Tainted food. 10)Impact on agriculture.
From the Paper "So much has already been said about Fast Food and its negative impact on Americans that you might fail to understand why Eric Schlosser would choose to write a whole book in the subject. Don"t we already know enough" After reading the book, however the answers surprisingly turns out to be an emphatic No. Indeed we know very little about the real fast food industry and the way it carries out is operations. True it adds to obesity problem in the country but do we really know the truth about those French fries that have been criticized widely for their fat content."
This model case paper deals with an agency's hierarchical organizational structure no longer being appropriate to meet external threats and realize the opportunities in the market place.
1,275 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 5 sources, 2002, $ 48.95
Abstract This model case paper deals with an agency's hierarchical organizational structure no longer being appropriate to meet external threats and realize the opportunities in the market place. Regular case study headings apply in this case with the following: Situational analysis, problem statement, alternatives, recommendations and implementations.
Tags: WRITING / APPLICATIONS (EXAMPLES), Aquarius case
Abstract The Sarbanes-Oxley Act was signed into law on July 29, 2002. It was the U.S. government's response to the questionable business practices of a number of corporate executives, which caused across-the-board declines in the value of stock in publicly-traded companies during the summer of 2002. The passage of the Act has been heralded by some as an historic occasion, some calling it a long overdue corporate reform package, while others have severely criticized the Act as an unnecessary overreaction by the government. This paper discusses the business conditions that prompted the passage of the Act, the accounting problems that made the Act necessary, the advantages and disadvantages of the Act, and the effect of the Act on the future of the accounting profession.
From the Paper "The Corporate Sector in the United States is already sufficiently regulated. Further regulation goes against the principles of a free market economy that is one of the basic principles of the country's economy. What was needed in the wake of bankruptcy scandals was stricter enforcement of the existing laws rather than creating new ones.
The Act was a knee-jerk reaction to the accounting scandals in a tiny percentage of businesses. The new reporting requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley will divert the attentions of managements and boards of directors to self-protection away from the business purposes of companies."
