Abstract This paper explains that Japanesecaseparticles, which are morphological markers that indicate the relation of the noun phrase to the predicate, are crucial factor for both comprehension and production of the language; however, it is a very difficult area for adult learners to master. The author points out that the subjects for this qualitative study were selected at random from students whose native language is English and who were currently taking a third semester of a formally instructed Japanese course. The paper recommends instructional techniques based on the findings such as the use of diagnostic tests for recognizing the natures of learners' confusion and creating productive lessons to clarify the confusion. Many charts, tables and graphs.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background
Difference and Difficulty
Literature Review
Definitions of JapaneseCase Research on Acquiring CaseParticles by Adult English Speakers
Verbal Protocol: An Effective Mean of Obtaining Valuable Information
Research Questions
Methodology
Research Design
Subjects
Test Survey
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Findings
The First Question: Why are Some Particles Troublesome?
Second Question: Does Subjects' Confidence Reflect the Accuracy in Use of The Particles?
Third Question: How do the Subjects Determine Which Particle to Use?
Discussion
Pedagogical Implication
Teach schema: What Goes with the Particle Diagnostic Test: To Know What They Don't Know
Provide Meta-Linguistic Instruction: Teach Semantic Role of Particles Make the Lesson Memorable
Conclusion
From the Paper "An interesting fact is that the other two problems with 100% accuracy have somewhat similar properties as well. The verb, imasu 'to exist,' is also a stative verb, which is means existential. The adjective, daisuki desu 'to be favorite,' is usually translated into English as "I like something." This verb and adjective also take a semantic object accompanied by the subject marker ga. However, in these questions, subjects had no confusion over use of o and ga. It turned out that the first two uses of ga are very familiar ones to the subjects, and they seem to have almost memorized the combination. This fact will be illustrated and discussed in a later section."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that interrogative expressions in language can be divided generally into two basic categories that are yes-no questions and content questions. Question formation should be very challenging for language learners especially for those whose first language is structured very differently. However, common features including the sentence structure and intonation can still be identified across different languages. This paper introduces several characteristics of question formation in Japanese and Chinese, and examines the similarities and differences between the languages with reference to those in English. The writer concludes that it is possible to assume that there is no obvious movement transformation in Japanese and Chinese, for the purpose of forming yes-no questions and content questions, which is equivalent to that in English.
From the Paper "Although yes-no questions in English typically require that the operator, such as an auxiliary verb, to precedes the subject (Kuiper & Allan, 2004), this is not the case in Japanese and Chinese. Instead of rearranging the word order for the purpose of forming yes-no questions based on declarative sentences, the question particle ka or ma is added at the end of the sentence in these languages. There is no change in word order to form yes-no questions. The use of a sentence-final particle ba in Chinese can also form yes-no questions in the same way as a question particle ma, but it is only used where the answer is expected or assumed."
Tags: sentence, structure, formation, particle, word, order
Abstract This paper is a case study of the acquisition of a sportswear company. The paper answers these questions: Is this a company we want to buy? How much should we pay? Are we ready to buy? Why is the seller selling? The paper also includes the questions: How will we finance the deal? How can we increase production without increasing costs? What sort of disclosure do we need from the current owner?
From the Paper "Leslie Olivera is a sourcing manager for the Foxtrot Company. She has been working with a contract manufacturer for her company called Sportswear for some time. Olivera has been offered the chance to purchase Sportswear from its present owner. Charles Richards requires no money put down and is willing to accept payments on a note payable over six years. Olivera believes only way that Sportswear can remain viable is to grow."
Tags:Case study, sportswear, acquisition analysis, increasing production, cost of acquisition, due diligence, value of business, risks and rewards, risk averse, enterpreneur
This paper is a complete research project that, based on the integrative model, analyzed merger and acquisition (M&A)s including human resource management (HRM).
Abstract This paper explains that the purpose of this study is (1) to develop and test the integrative model that synthesizes theoretical perspectives on the strategic combination, organizational integration, resource management (HRM) and financial performance components of merger and acquisitions (M&As) and (2) to examine the mechanisms through which several critical characteristics of an acquisition affect its performance. The author describes in detail the reasons for selecting the case methodology instead of a questionnaire and for using the qualitative methods. The paper relates that this research provides new insight on the effects of relative size on acquisition performance by suggesting that bigger acquisitions do better because they offer greater synergy potential, not because managers pay more attention to the integration process when targets are large as suggested in past research. Tables.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Problem Statement
Purpose of the Study
Rationale of the Study
Scope and Objectives
Summary
Literature Review
Combination Potential
Organizational Integration
Employee Resistance
Interrelationships among Antecedents of M&A Performance
Management Style Similarity
Cross-border Combination
Relative Size
Methodology
Sample
Measures
Reliability and Validity of the Data
Data Analysis
Results
Findings
Discussion
Analysis
Future Implications
Summary
Conclusion
Summary
Recommendations
From the Paper "Organizational and HRM researchers have pointed out that strategic combination potentials are not automatically realized, and that the extent of synergy realization depends on how the new organization is managed after the M&A deal is closed (Datta 1998, Hunt 2004, Schweiger et al. 2001). Organizational integration, defined as the degree of interaction and coordination between the two firms involved in a merger or acquisition, is commonly cited as an important consideration in the M&A process (Buono and Bowditch 2004, Pablo 1998, Shrivastava 2004, Yunker 2003). Indeed, numerous typologies of organizational integration processes have been suggested in the literature, each distinguishing between high and low degrees of integration (e.g., Haspeslagh and Jemison 1998, Hunt 2004, Napier 2004). The degree of integration has also been used as a moderator of the organizational fit/M&A performance relationship by Datta (1998), who found it to be non-significant in his study."
Abstract This paper offers an analysis of three international acquisitions that occurred in 2005, characterized by the acquiring firm in each case is based in the United States, while the acquired entity is based or owned by a firm in a country other than the U.S. Each case is analyzed in two contexts (strategies and financial outcomes).
From the Paper "This research analyzes three international acquisitions that occurred in ..."
Abstract This paper analyzes Washington Mutual, Inc. and its subsidiaries. The author explains the company's growth strategy of acquisitions and mergers. The paper investigates this company's background, the acquisitions, performance problems and the relationship of the firm to capital markets.
From the Paper "Washington Mutual, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, is a financial services company committed to serving individual customers as well as small to mid-sized businesses. Buying businesses to acquire customers has been a core business tactic for Washington Mutual and a successful growth strategy since ... . The company completed thirty-three acquisitions and mergers in the last twenty years. However, it was largely unheard of until it acquired Irvine-based American Savings in ..., followed by its purchases of Great Western Bank in ... and Home Savings in ... . According to ...."
Tags: Washington Mutual, savings and loan, thrift, loans, investemnts, securities, growth, acquisition, loan origination. capital markets
Abstract This paper discusses Waterford Wedgwood PLC's five year strategic plan after Waterford's acquisition of Wedgwood. The author points out the company's focus on cost-cutting strategies. The paper includes market share for luxury items.
From the Paper "The Waterford Company was established in ... on land adjacent to Merchants' Quay in the heart of the Irish harbor town of Waterford. Today, Waterford Wedgwood PLC is among the world's leading luxury lifestyle group with world class brands that include Waterford Crystal, Wedgwood W. C. Designs, Rosenthal and All-Clad. The period between ... and ... involved retrenching and rationalization for Waterford .In November of ..., Waterford Glass Group acquired Wedgwood PLC for .... million Irish Pounds. The immediate goal of the new company Waterford Wedgwood PLC involved looking for ..."
Abstract This report consist of six parts -
The first part briefly analyzes the market position of sample cross-border acquisition companies: France Telecom and Orange Plc and finds out their pre-acquisition industry aspect.
Second part determines the motives for merger and acquisition of these two companies. How synergy plays an important role in this stage.
Third part finds out the respective strategies each company adopted, how acquirer uses proper tactics to takeover other one and how the vulnerable company defenses its position. Within this, the report also presents the decision making that why the Board of Directors of the target company would accept the bid.
Fourth part reviews the possible methods that the companies could use to finance the merger or acquisition.
Fifth part analyzes the market share movement in terms of pre-merger, during merger, and post-merger. And also according to the chart to find out if the merger or acquisition benefits to shareholders.
Final part discusses the possible factors besides the market share movement that influence shareholder wealth. In some extent analyze if the merger or acquisition served to help the maximization of shareholder wealth.
Table of Contents
Executive summary
Introduction
An overview of the pre-merger market positions
Motives for the merger and acquisition The defences and attack strategies
Financing methods of merger and acquisition Share price analysis
Evaluation of merger and acquisition Conclusion
Reference
Bibliography
From the Paper "Market power exists when the firm can sell its products over the existing competitive market price or when its manufacturing, distribution, and service costs are lower than competitors?. Michael A. H. Jeffrey S. H. R. Duane I. (P151, 2001) argued that the effectiveness of decisions made and actions taken result in the firm developing market power in terms of both revenues and costs. Market power is a product of the firms? size, the degree of sustainability of its current competitive advantages, and its ability to make decisions today that will yield new competitive advantages for tomorrow."
Abstract This paper discusses two case studies: AssetOne's merger with Taurus, and a manufacturing employee with resistance to change. In each case, response to change is negative. In the first case, the merger was handled badly, creating culture clash; in the second, there were multiple instances of resistance to change. The paper describes the situation in each case and recommends ways that they could have been handled better.
From the Paper "The merger between AssetOne and Taurus was very poorly handled. Thesecrecy with which negotiations and the merger were conducted left employees of both companies blindsided when the merger was finally announced only minutes before it ..."
Tags: fear of change, mergers and acquisitions, resistance to change, culture clashes
Abstract This paper defines insider trading and other financial terms. The author points out that the case relates to the question of how to deal with a question of insider trading at an investment banking firm. The paper relates methods of separating the research and the sales functions.
From the Paper "A working definition of insider trading is that it is an illegal activity that involves trading by management major shareholders or employees of a firm using information that is not yet publicly available. A working definition of the term investment banking firm is that it is a company that facilitates capital restructuring including initial public offerings as well as mergers acquisitions and leveraged buyouts. A working definition of the expression 'Chinese Wall' is an imaginary wall that separates the research department from other departments at ..."
Tags: Insider trading, investment banking, mergers and acquisitions, SEC, Securities and exchange commission, chinese wall, arbitrage, stock, controlling interest, Mebel, Doran, case study
Abstract The linguistics of second language acquisition is discussed from a North American point of view, i.e., the continual presence of newcomers who need to acquire a command of the English language. A research deficit is explained which relates to differing cultural origins and English L2 vocabulary acquisition.
Abstract This report analyzes the Hewlett-Packard acquisition of Compaq. The focus is on the strategic planning process associated with the acquisition. The perspective of the analysis is Hewlett-Packard's and the conclusion is that Hewlett-Packard's strategy was effective and appropriate and benefited the company.
Abstract This paper is about the acquisition of Telecorp by AT&T. It analyzes the accounting method used to record the transaction and the circumstances or transaction attributes that support the accounting method. The paper evaluates the structure of the merger transaction, and comments on the managerial and financial synergies of the combination, and the expected effect on expected revenues and costs, and the effect of the transaction on the stock prices of the companies involved. It reviews the tax effects of the merger, and looks at changes in stock price after the merger was announced
From the Paper "TeleCorp PCS Inc is in a joint venture with AT T Wireless Services to build and operate digital wireless networks. TeleCorp is AT T Wireless' largest affiliate with licenses to serve more than million people in ten states..."
Tags:Acquisition Telecorp AT&T, stock acquisition transaction, SEC, 8-k, Form 10-K, accounting method, merger, consolidation, managerial and financial synergies, expected revenues and costs, stock prices, tax effects
Abstract This paper discusses mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and how they are financed. Particularly focus is paid to financing via stock swaps, cash and stock, and leveraged buyouts as well as hostile takeovers. The Sears-Kmart merger is used as an illustrative example of M&A activity while risk mitigation is included at the conclusion of the document. In the final analysis companies need to be prepared to walk away from a cross border merger or acquisition.
From the Paper "From one perspective they are viewed as an excellent way to achieve growth and market share without extensive resources dedicated to organically growing the enterprise, while on the other hand they can also be viewed as a competitive strategy to remove a market threat (Mastracchio & Zunitch, 2002). In any event, M&A has come to be associated with a specific category of corporate finance and management that involves either merging two companies into one or in an outright purchase of another company. In either case, M&A requires extensive due diligence that involves extreme examination of the each company's accounting records and financial reports in an effort to avoid any liability concerns following the M&A activity."
Abstract This paper examines the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II by comparing this action with the freedom experienced by German-Americans during the same period. The author questions the inherent racism of Americans that enabled such an occurrence to be legally sanctioned, while German-Americans lived their lives freely, although Hitler and Germany were also enemies of America during World War II. The paper then presents a detailed background of the Japanese immigrant experience in America, contrasting this with the American ideal of freedom and the reality of racism. The experiences of African and Native-Americans are also considered. The paper then describes the actual Japanese internment, which was unprecedented event in American history. The paper further states how the Internment still has an effect on the psyche of the Japanese-American population today. The author concludes that the internment of Japanese-Americans during the Second World War was one of the great tragedies of American history.
Outline:
Introduction
Background: The Japanese Experience in America
Prejudice Unleashed: The Internment Experience
Conclusion
From the Paper " Naturally, the situation was worse the further removed from the Anglo-Saxon ideal a group might chance to be. After the Civil War, the newly reunited nation demanded a huge supply of cheap labor to build its rapidly expanding railroad network. In the West, this labor was provided, to a large extent, by settlers from Japan and China. Labor Contractors, generally Japanese or Chinese themselves actively recruited these workers and brought them to America. They helped to lay the foundations of America's industrial prosperity. White American racial attitudes combined with a nationwide railroad strike in 1877 to create the necessary conditions for a crackdown on Asian immigration. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was soon followed by other, stricter acts, in 1892, 1902, and 1904. And as White America saw little, if any difference, between Japanese and any other Asians, the anti-Chinese immigration laws were followed by a Japanese Exclusion Act in 1907. By 1924, the United States had imposed an almost total ban on all immigration from East Asia, ..."
Tags:Japanese-Americans, internment, World, War, II, immigrant, experiences
