Abstract This manufacturing study will examine the evolution of the assemblyline production used within the American automobile industry. By examining "Asphalt Nation" by Jane Holtz, one can realize how greater reliance on mass produced manufactured goods on the moving assembly greatly lowered demand for handcrafted items in specialized labor. In this manner, Holtz, defines the increasing reliance on automobile manufacturers to create cars through this process to give greater access for travel in the middle classes. The great industrial revolutions of England and those that occurred within America in the 19th century help one to realize how more customers could have access to certain products. In the case of the automobile, Henry Ford sought to make it possible to give every American a car.
Abstract This paper discusses the book "Mollies Job: A Story of Life and Work on the Global AssemblyLine," by William M. Adler, about a black woman from the South who migrates to Paterson for a job as an assemblyline worker in a Universal plant and how Universal is bought out by MagneTek. Specifically, it examines whether the company's metamorphosis from Universal to MagneTek was inevitable because of the global economy, the rush on Wall Street to make a quick buck and the free trade agreement that allowed companies to move operations to low-cost factories in Mexico. It shows how Universal was doomed as soon as it decided to move part of the operations to Mississippi due to costs ? it lost the allegiance of its employees, and then there was nowhere to go but down.
From the Paper "Management changed drastically from the early years of Universal to the buy-out by MagneTek, Inc. When Universal first began in the 50s, businesses were still small enough to think of their employees as family, and treat them as such. They paid decent wages and expected a decent product. By the 80s, when the buy-out occurred, companies were simply grist for the Wall Street mill. If they made enough profits to keep their stockholders happy, they were successful, and if not, they were sold off again and again in the quest for more money and a better bottom line."
Abstract This movie explores the effects of globalization on the lives of both U.S. workers and the newly formed workforces in third world countries such as Mexico and the Philippines. It is compared to other movies which deal with unfair labor conditions - William Adler's ?Mollie's Job" and "The Work of Nations".
From the Paper "The film illustrates the issues faced through stories of the destruction of a local community by a Barbie Doll factory in the Philippines; secret meetings of Filipino women trying to form a union; and a hunger strike by Mexican workers. The film pulls no punches and exposes the abuse of human and labor rights by showing military and police intervention used in situations where workers, in many different parts around the world, are organizing to fight the multinationals by attempting to unionize."
Abstract Fordism is a term for a type of industrial management based on assembly-line methods named after Henry Ford the industrialist. This paper looks at how the concept came about by the discovery that output could be increased by efficient use of conveyor belt, minute division of labor and most important incentive by doubling wages. It examines the Fordism downfall during the Great Depression due to the inability to pay these high wages and the effect on American industry which has since moved on with globalization of the markets making it harder to protect the national products and industries.
From the Paper "Fordism, encompasses two very important aspects, both of which though had limitations, yet they laid the foundations for the economy of the United States to pursue guidelines, a glimpse of which can be observed in the successful capitalist economy of the present day United States. First was the excellent utilization of the assembly line system in the Ford plant, the prime objective of which was to reduce production time. Thus, by the efficient use of conveyor belt, and minute division of labor, Ford was able to reduce the total production time for each car from 728 minutes to a remarkable 93 minute, and in essence, Ford was turning out a model, particularly the Model T in every 24 seconds."
Abstract This paper will discuss the poem "Al"l by Bei Dou and the poem "AssemblyLine" by Shou Ting; two Chinese poets in the "Contemporary Literature of Asia", edited by Arthur Biddle. By understanding the Chinese perspective in poetry for the country of China, we can see how life is reflected in these two poems selected from this book.
Abstract This paper discusses the concept of Fordism and Fordist production. The paper discusses the development of the concept, as based on the innovation of Henry Ford, the assemblyline. The paper describes the advantages of this innovation as it results in a highly specialized, well-defined division of labour, as the worker stay in one place at a particular station while their work was brought to them at a regulated pace.
From the Paper "Fordism and Fordist Production * Fordist Production "represented as series of interrelated innovations in manufacturing processes." * Named after Henry Ford (1863-1947), perhaps the most prominent twentieth-century industrialist and innovator through his Ford Motor Company. * Fordist Production was based on his primary innovation: the assembly line. This allowed workers to stay in one place at a particular station while their work was brought to them at a regulated pace. This resulted in a highly specialized, well-defined division of labour in Ford automotive plants."
Tags: summary, course, modules, perhaps, the, most, prominent, twentieth, century, industrialist, and, innovator, through
Abstract The paper relates that the cruise line industry has been experiencing a period of massive expansion over the last decade, thus heightening the competitive profile for the industry in terms of market share and competitive rivalry. The paper evaluates the industry competitors: Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line. The paper provides a competitor profile matrix that shows Carnival Cruise Lines' market dominance.
Outline:
Industry Overview
Industry Competitors
Competitor Profile Matrix
Product Differentiation
From the Paper "The cruise line industry has been experiencing a period of massive expansion over the last decade. By some estimates, the cruise industry in the United States (US) alone has generated more than $32b during 2005. Such revenue ensures that the cruise industry remains one of the most competitive across all markets. Even smaller markets have been experiencing an increase in cruise industry operations. The Canadian market has seen some ports exceed more than 90 cruise ship callings on an annual basis and this is a considerable amount of traffic for a traditionally smaller market. Thus, the competitive profile for the industry has heightened in terms of market share and competitive rivalry."
Abstract This project analyzes and makes recommendations on the viability of on-line grocers. Analysis of this industry consists of an assessment of the internal and external environment, the strengths and weaknesses, the opportunities and the strategies of companies operating in the on-line grocery industry. This report discusses the strategic implications of the industry structure for companies currently operating in and those considering entering the industry. Finally this report suggests ways of increasing the overall effectiveness of the online grocery business model, ultimately making conclusions of the overall attractiveness of the industry as well as making recommendations for improving the online business model.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose and Objectives
1.2 Industry Definition/Timeline
1.3 Scope and Limitations
1.4 Methodology/Data Extraction
2.0 INDUSTRY DOMINANT ECONOMIC FEATURES
2.1 Industry Major Players
2.2 Industry Profitability and Lifecycle Stage
2.3 Market Size and Growth Rate
2.4 Capital Requirements
2.5 Industry Driving Forces
3.0 INDUSTRY CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS
3.1 Profitability and Capital
3.2 Technical Capability
3.3 Brand Image
3.4 Customer Service
4.0 INDUSTRY COMPETITION ANALYSIS
4.1 Major Competitors
4.2 Rivalry
4.3 Competitive Position and Strategy
4.4 New Entrants and Barriers to Entry and Exit
4.5 Perceived Product Substitutes
5.0 KEY STRATEGIES OVERVIEW
5.1 Key Industry Strategy
5.2 Key Industry Players Strategic Approaches
6.0 INDUSTRY BUYERS
6.1 Buyer Characteristics
6.2 Brand Preferences and Customer Loyalty
6.3 Customer Power
7.0 INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS
7.1 Supplier Characteristics
7.2 Supplier Bargaining Power
8.0 INDUSTRY PROSPECTS AND ATTRACTIVENESS
8.1 Industry Attractiveness
8.2 Industry Issues
8.3 Industry Profit Outlook
9.0 ALTERNATIVES
9.1 Abandon the Online Grocery Industry
9.2 Merge or Partner with Brick-and-Mortar
9.3 Maintain existing business model
10.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
REFERENCES
From the Paper "The online grocery industry is a niche market within the greater food and beverage industry. It is a business-to-consumer e-commerce industry possessing the characteristics of both a retail grocer and a courier. Companies operating in this industry allow customers to purchase grocery items, prepared meals, meats, produce, packaged goods, flowers, and just about everything else offered by the major grocery chains. Products are offered via the company website and are delivered to the customer within a specified time frame. These companies often rely upon high average orders to make their margins (a typical Webvan.com order was quoted to be $80) (Weston, 2000)."
Abstract This paper discusses the MAK Brake Lining Company's reasons for its change in direction of business. It explores its transition from a brake lining and disc brake manufacturer to replacement or after market products manufacturer.
From the Paper "MAK Brake Lining Company was founded by A Wahab as an automotive parts manufacturing firm that was located in Egypt and financed by the El Kharafi Investment Company of Kuwait. Created in January according to Egyptian investment ..."
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses Disney Cruise Lines. The paper focuses on the company's marketing strategies and discusses possible improvements. According to the paper, in suggesting improvements to Disney's Cruise Lines marketing strategies, the potential for greater levels of integration with the core branding of Walt Disney Company needs to first be considered.
From the Paper "Fifth the Disney Cruise Lines need to underscore safety and security in their cruising activities and programs. The cruise line had several instances of dozens of passengers getting ill during 2005, and this did have a temporary but significant effect on earnings according to Citigroup (2006). The cruises through the Mediterranean are also potentially risky as the areas the Disney ships, icons of American influence, will need to be protected or at least managed carefully in foreign waters and will need to be very cognizant of local political conditions before setting sail for a foreign port. "
Abstract This paper explains how on-line collaboration makes it possible for people to transfer information anywhere in seconds. It describes how users in certain local area networks and other networks are capable of communicating with each other through their PC by swapping files and e-mails in text files and other files. It also includes a list of software for use in online collaboration. It discusses how the company can ensure "integration" and "appropriate use" factors of this tool, online collaboration.
From the Paper "Online Collaboration bases the system on what have been started by the earlier PC networking system. Users in certain local area and other network are capable to communicate each other on their PC by swapping files and mails in text file, although during the early time it was limited to text data in small size. As technology has developed more sophisticated facilities, it is possible for people to use the complete system to transfer information anywhere in seconds, enabling people to cut time and travel and having the whole work, outline, discussions and commands transferred through the wire. People are dependant on computers to connect to each other nowadays. With the emergence of the internet, many industries will find an open door to spread the news and support the growth to anywhere in the world. Controlling the whole world's business will need the most effective way to unite people in the entire organization. The technology has offered its capability to contact a group of people and bring them in a forum where they can chat, send messages, transfer file, and perform exactly like what they do on a traditional meeting, only this one is done through the net."
Abstract This work evaluates the cruise industry, specifically the Carnival Cruise, Norwegian Cruise and Royal Caribbean companies. The evaluation uses Porter's Five Forces model to explore competition in the industry, the bargaining power of suppliers and the bargaining power of consumers. It also addresses whether the industry has substitute products and if there are new entrants into the industry. This work additionally answers the question of 'how intense is the rivalry' and whether there is a forecasting method that can be used to predict where the industry is going.
Outline:
Introduction
Porter's Five Force Analysis
Porter's Five Force Analysis Summary
Bibliography
Includes charts and graphs
Figure 1 - Forecasted Value Worldwide per Segment, Hotels, Resorts and Cruise Lines (in billion dollars) 2003-2008
Figure 2
Average Growth Rate 1980 - 2004
Figure 3
Passengers Percentage Change 1974 -2004
Figure 5 Cruise Ship Order Book as of January 1, 2004
From the Paper "In an April 27, 2006 report entitled: "Cabin Fever - Smooth Times Ahead for the Cruise Industry" John Zamora writes that: "...there's plenty of room for growth in the cruise industry. Currently the number of tourists worldwide who book cruise vacations stands at around 13.4 million, representing about 1.8% of the total world travel market, as estimated by the World Tourism Organization." (2006) Zamora also writes that: "Far from being disappointed at this current level of market share, the industry fully recognizes the opportunities ahead as operators expand into new types of cruises (including the niche budget option); set their targets on different demographic groups; and, head for new waters." (2006) In a November 14, 2005 report entitled: "Which Way is the Travel Industry Headed?" it is stated that a Senior Analyst at eMarketer and author of the Online Travel Worldwide report, Jeffery Grau states: Without question, the Internet has shake up the status quo in the travel industry...Traditional travel agencies are struggling to stay relevant, online travel agencies are trying to instill loyalty among their customers,. travel search engines are the new upstarts, travel suppliers are flexing their muscles and global distributions systems are looking for way to recover their waning influence." (2005) In a report entitled: "Cruise Line Industry: Trends Opportunities for Canadian Exporters 2005" reported is a case study in which the researchers conducted interviews with 21 cruise line purchasers, chandlers, distributors and brokers findings stated in the report include the facts for Worldwide per Segment Forecasts including the cruise lines shown on the chart in Figure 1."
Abstract This paper examines the privately owned Lorain assembly plant's dependence on the Ford Company. It describes the changing auto industry and the need for the plant to produce a different Ford model. The paper discusses the financial loan options offered to the Lorain plant by Ford for reconstruction and start up of the new auto line.
From the Paper "The Lorain Assembly Plant is privately owned. The Ford Motor Company owns 25% of is manufacturing facilities, the remainder are privately owned as is the case with the Loraine Assembly Plant (Ford.com, 2002). Because they are privately owned, it is not necessary to publish specific financial data for general public use. This information is considered company sensitive and was not available. Because the Lorain Assembly plant is a supplier for the Ford Company, accounting policies and practices must be consistent with those used by the Ford Motor Company. In addition, as a part of the contract with Lorain Assembly Plant, Ford Motor Company requires the right to audit the books at any time upon request. They are not, however, required to make the findings public, unless it affects the reported earnings of the Ford Motor Company. Publicly traded companies are required to file their financial statements with the SEC and must be audited by an independent auditor. These findings are required to be made public record."
Tags: private, ownership, motor, car, automobile, public, company
Abstract This paper is a detailed case study of an outsourcing plan by an unnamed computer manufacturing company, described by one of the workers in the assemblyline. The writer explains the reasons behind the decision to outsource, the various factors involved, and the consequences for the domestic workers, including the closure of 10 manufacturing plants throughout the country. The plan and timeline for outsourcing is described in detail, and the reasons for choosing to outsource in India. The writer also describes the reactions of the employees and consumers and what happened after the plan was carried out. The paper concludes that the full outcome of the decision to outsource will not be realized until the company has been in India for a much longer period of time.
Outline:
Introduction
Background
Plan for the Outsourcing of Manufacturing Jobs
Organizing the Outsourcing Plan
The Development of the Outsourcing Plan
Responses to the Decision to Outsource Jobs
Modifications/Amendments
Evaluation
Review of the Case
Summary
From the Paper "The idea to outsource manufacturing jobs was actually spawned by some competitors (Proctor, 2005). The organization recognized that competitors were able to sell comparable products for a much lower price. After conducting some industry research, the organization found that competitors were able to greatly reduce payroll expense and other costs by having products manufactured overseas. As such competitors could pass those savings on to consumers by charging a much lower price. The company I worked for decided that in order to remain competitive they would have to reduce the costs of their products. Such a cost reduction could be accomplished in several ways, reducing the quality of the parts used to produce the product, reduce the workforce or outsource the manufacturing jobs."
Abstract This paper explains that Frederick W. Taylor's theory of scientific management was widely misinterpreted as using time and motion studies to extract more work from employees at less pay; however, a more careful reading of Taylor's work shows that he placed the worker's interest as high as the employer's. The author points out that modern management theorists, such as Edward Deming, often credit Taylor with creating the principles upon which they base their work. This paper explains that, recognizing that resistance to change is certain to occur in high-technology environments, effective managers confront this resistance to demonstrate their concern for their employees and helping to direct and to bring personal agendas into line with company goals and objectives.
Table of Contents
Introduction
What Is Management?
Frederick W. Taylor
Scientific Management
Application
High-Tech Management
Conclusion
From the Paper "Globalization also changes the ways in which companies compete with one another both for customers and for employees. Using technology (including the Internet), a company can be located nearly anywhere in the world and provide products and services to customers located nearly anywhere else. Electronic funds transfer make it possible for payments to flow from one country to another easily and quickly while advances in transportation logistics (including using computers and bar code readers to track shipments) make it possible to send products around the world."
