Abstract The paper shows that in the play "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller, the character Willy Loman has devoted his entire life to making money and to being liked by his sons, his bosses and those individuals in power whom he wishes to impress. The paper suggests, however, that by failing to instill any moral values in his sons, Willy Loman is a failure both as a father and as a man. It shows that the values he has been sold by American culture and the values he sells to his family are revealed to be utterly bankrupt at the end of the drama and his life.
From the Paper "Miller, in "Death of a Salesman," portrays an America utterly lacking in morality and religion, where the only values offered to Willy Loman and his sons are that of material success and shallow appreciation in the eyes of others. All sense of a moral core, of origins has been lost in this America. Instead, there is only moral bankruptcy, if not in the monetary sense, then in the spiritual sense."
A analysis, from today's viewpoint, of the classical American novel "The Great Gatsby " by F. Scott Fitzgerald from the perspective of the corrupt American Dream.
Abstract This paper describes "The Great Gatsby" as Fitzgerald's signature novel of the American dream gone awry. It compares American society in the 1920s to American today. The author writes that immigrants, like Gatsby, come to escape their own problems for our empty promises of unlimited advancement. On the surface, "The Great Gatsby" is a novel about confused and unhappy relationships that drank and socialized their way through the 1920s. Yet, when investigating further, it speaks of the bankrupt American Dream, which no longer stands for progress and hard work, as it has become materialistic and corrupt.
From the Paper "For years immigrants poured into Ellis Island looking for freedom of religious persecution, to escape poverty and hunger and numerous other reasons. Today over 50,000 immigrants come to the shores of America clutching Green Cards hoping for a piece of the American Dream."
It is in this setting, that F. Scott Fitzgerald portrays ?The Great Gatsby.? Jay Gatsby, himself, the title character, was a major culprit of this corruption.
Nick Carraway surmises that Gatsby made his wealth from bootlegging and involvement with organized crime. Gatsby has focused his adult life to being wealthy enough and having enough to impress Daisy."
Abstract A paper which studies K-Mart's current business strategy and then makes some recommendations in connection with the same. The paper shows how K-Mart, the third largest retail company in America, filed for bankruptcy when it was simply unable to get rid of its debts. The paper discusses the truth in the assumption that management was to blame because Conaway has absolute no experience in apparel and also knows little about running a 2,100-stores chain.
From the Paper "Kmart, the third largest retailing chain in the United States announced bankruptcy earlier this year but few were shocked. Though it is true that the American corporate world and its economy could do without another giant company crashing, still many were somehow prepared for this fate for Kmart because the company was constantly suffering from poor strategies and an identity crisis. It lost millions when it tried to compete with the number one retailers Wal-Mart for price and Target for style. And it lost from both not because it didn"t have enough assets or financial support, but simply because the company doesn"t know a thing about good strategy. It is quite strange that once a retailing giant, the company started losing in annual revenues steadily in the last decade and no strategy or management shakeup could bring it back to its old position. There are many who would love to put the entire blame on the slow down in the economy but those who know anything about Kmart's poor marketing strategies and business plan understand what exactly happened at Kmart stores."
Abstract This paper examines Enron's bankruptcy and takes a look at the business community and the people involved with the financial departments of the corporation in order to analyze reasons for the failure. It discusses those affected by the bankruptcy, including Enron employees, the public, and the external market.
From the Paper "The former employees of Enron are also the targeted audience as they are the ones who really suffered and they need to know and be assured that the prospect of their newly found joblessness is being looked into and hope shone through a weave of bureaucracy and red tape. Hundreds of current and former employees of the failed energy firm filed a joint court case, seeking damages for losses they suffered by investing in the company's share plan. The complaint, which is on behalf of more than 400 staff, names ex-chief executives Kenneth Lay and Jeffrey Skilling, ex-finance director Andrew Fastow, auditors Andersen and trustee firm Northern Trust as defendants. The allegation is that Enron encouraged its employees to invest their savings in its shares, despite the knowledge of senior executives about the firm's real plight."
This paper focuses upon the Four I's of business -- issues, interests, institutions and information -- along with stakeholder risk as they relate to Enron.
Abstract The paper shows that at stake for Enron's shareholders was a financial guarantee from Enron, one that the corporation apparently never intended to honor. For the employees, however, the stakes were even greater, inasmuch as their entire retirement funds were wiped out when the company went bankrupt. The paper examines how the emotional and economic cost for these employees was staggering when they learned their years of loyal service and trust in the company completely dissolved along with their retirement funds.
From the Paper "From a social perspective, the Enron issue reflects a blatant disregard for social responsibility, which is being aware of the impacts one's actions have upon the rest of society. Far too many people believe it is their inherent right as human beings to exercise whatever choices they see fit, in spite of the fact that their selfish actions may cause harm or damage to others. Indeed, this is precisely the essence of social responsibility: to make a conscious effort to incorporate society's feelings as a whole, rather than merely focusing upon the singular desires of oneself, which clearly reflects the individualistic point of view of Enron's top management."
Abstract Discusses how the Nazis kept the Germans loyal. Germany's economic problems following WWI, and a bankrupt Germany. How Hitler revitalized the German economy. Providing work for the unemployed. Use of propaganda that blamed the Jews and Communists for Germany's problems. Initiation of health and pension programs to ensure loyalty. Hitler Youth.
From the Paper "HOW THE NAZIS KEPT THE GERMANS LOYAL
Money talks; and a bankrupt Germany looked for any and all reasons to get out from under the severe penalties that the Treaty of Versailles imposed on it. It was the early financing by German industrialists, most of whom were not merely angry at the terms of the 1919 Versailles Treaty, but saw their nation sink into severe Depression and high inflation, who backed Hitler from the very outset.
Some of the 'influential industrial magnates' were…Emil Kirdorf, the union-hating coal baron who presided over Treasury'. . . Fritz Thyssen, the head of the steel trust…Joining Thyssen was Albert Voegler, also a power in the United Steel Works. . . George von S industrialists and their firms, plus the major banks ..."
Abstract This paper examines F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby. In The Great Gatsby, we find Fitzgerald examining the moral emptiness of life in East Egg, Long Island and, by implication, modern society. Fitzgerald was a Catholic and although the novel is not overtly religious in tone, the reader may detect echoes of the Sermon on The Mount in its subtle condemnation of the materialistic, spiritually bankrupt world that Tom and Daisy Buchanan inhabit and which the likes of Myrtle Wilson and Jay Gatsby aspire to.
Abstract This paper examines Russia as facing the greatest challenge in the transition from plan to market. It might even be argued that Russia faces the greatest political and economic challenge the world has ever known. As the mother of communism, Russia was longer steeped in its tenets than its satellite states. And as a geo-political behemoth, creating social consensus and moving towards democratic consolidation has always been next to impossible. In the end, Russia is an un-natural economic and political unit. To present, this has made success impossible, and more of the same can be expected in the future. Russia's next leader will inherit a legacy that is unwieldy, corrupt, bankrupt (morally and financially), and almost doomed to failure. Only if you have the hands of a magician, Mr. Primakov, can you make something of this disaster.
Examines the qualities and features of solid pension benefit plans that provide the greatest benefit to the employee while not bankrupting the employer.
2,900 words (approx. 11.6 pages), 6 sources, 2002, $ 106.95
Abstract This paper focuses on pre-loading plans with benefits like 401ks and cash-payouts that allow for employees to get pre-invested benefits without employers having to put up a 1-1 investment.
Abstract This paper will take a look at the state of welfare in Canada. It will provide an outline of the economic, political, and social conditions that led to the establishment of the welfare state, a look at the present conditions of the welfare state, the pros and cons of the welfare state, and alternatives to government intervention in the economy. In the final analysis it will be clear that the emergence of the welfare state was, in many ways, inspired by the President Roosevelt's 'New Deal' in the US. But whereas the US has veered away from the welfare state to more laissez faire, until very recently Canada's government has maintained an active role in society. Many argue that it has been too active a role, though at other times many have argued that the Canadian model is superior to that of the US. This paper will not offer an opinion on this issue, but will argue that the Canadian welfare state is bankrupt and the government must continue to re-assess its ability to intervene meaningfully in the Canadian economy.
Abstract This paper aims to explore the shocking discoveries or revelations that have been made during the Enron scandal and its probable impact on accounting procedures, financial management responsibility, and government regulations. The paper concludes with a personal assessment of the shocking discoveries made in the course of the scandal.
From the Paper "Enron's stunning collapse has cost thousands of employees their savings and led to criminal and congressional investigation. Formed in 1985, Enron began as an energy company shipping natural gas through pipelines. In 1989, it entered the natural gas commodities market. In 1994, Enron started trading electricity contracts and soon became the largest US electricity trader. By the late 1990s, Enron had ventured into trading coal, paper and even telecom bandwidth. By this time, most of the Enron's revenues came through trading. However this massive growth came crashing to a halt in October 2001 when the company made an unexpected announcement. It was worth $1.2 billion less than it had previously claimed ? largely due to debts and losses the company had attributed to separate investment partnerships it had created in the late 1990s, all remained unmentioned in the company's books. Enron declared bankruptcy on December 2. Since then investigation has been going on about the knowledge that Enron's management had but did not reveal regarding the partnerships. Partner in this accounting scam was Enron's accounting firm and external auditors, Arthur Andersen who approved those financial statements."
Abstract The Great Depression refers to the serious economic decline that started in the United States towards the end of 1929 and spread to most industrial countries of the world, lasting until the early 1940s.The period saw sharp declines in the production and sale of goods and a sudden, severe rise in unemployment. Numerous businesses and banks closed down or went bankrupt, people lost their jobs, homes, and savings, and large sections of the population in hitherto prosperous countries had to depend on charity to survive. Economists have discussed and dissected the causes of the Depression ever since, and its long-term effects have not even been fully overcome even today. This paper discusses some of the important causes and effects of the Great Depression.
From the Paper "The end of the World War I saw the American nation withdraw towards an inward looking policy of heightened individualism and the single-minded pursuit of getting rich. New technological innovations in the modern industry enabled quantum increase in industrial productivity. Unrestrained consumerism was promoted through the newly acquired art of advertising. People were persuaded to buy new, attractive products such as the automobile, the radio and household appliances. The problem was that while the public could be easily seduced into abandoning their habits of saving and frugality, the majority of the American public did not have the required buying capacity due to great inequalities in incomes. For example, during the "roaring" twenties (between 1923 and 1929), manufacturing output per person-hour increased by 32 %, while workers? wages grew by only 8 %. (McElvaine 38) At the same time, massive tax-cuts were initiated to benefit the rich by the government."
Abstract This paper summarizes and explains the controversy over the use of Zylon in body armor and whether or not Zylon should continue to be used in bulletproof vests. The paper also looks at whether Second Chance Industries, the company that manufactures and sells the body armor vests, should be held responsible for the entire financial costs of replacing the 200,000 plus vests in use today. This would bankrupt the company.
Executive Summary
Introduction
Literature Review
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "The story of the controversy surrounding the use of Zylon? in body armor seems to be a rather predictable tale of the obfuscations of business and government concerning public health and safety, with the expected casualties and penalizing of its whistle-blowers. One of the differences and the many others that have emerged concerning product safety in this post-atomic age is that in this case it has only taken a single death for the biggest name in business to immediately recant and actively pursue some kind of resolution, even if it might not be what its customers would find perfectly ideal."
Abstract This paper explains that white-collar crime has the potential to cause billions of dollars in losses to both corporations and individuals; as businesses go bankrupt because of illegitimate operations practices, individuals suffer economic losses that have the potential to be devastating. The author points out that, motivated primarily by financial gain, white-collar offenders have become increasingly savvy, thanks to the internet and other avenues, which allow acquisition of otherwise private information. The paper relates that legislation which includes lengthening jail terms for offenders has been enacted in an effort to deter white-collar criminals; however, many people suggest that longer jail terms are not enough to deter criminals, and instead, imposing larger severe fines is the best way to deter and prevent future activity.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Issues
Review of Literature
Overview/Causes
Identity Theft
Internet Fraud
Other White-collar Crimes
Deterring and Preventing White-collar Crimes
Specific Prevention Measures
Findings
Conclusions
From the Paper "What is white-collar crime? The term, coined in 1939 defines crime as "crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of his occupation." White-collar crime is usually associated with criminal activity that is non-violent. The motivation is usually financial gain. White-collar offenders usually 'scam' or deceptively acquire finances through corporations or by obtaining the personal financing material of individuals. Common white-collar offenses according to the Legal Information Institute at Cornell University include: Anti-trust violations, computer/internet fraud, credit card fraud, phone/telemarketing, bankruptcy fraud, financial fraud, tax evasion, insider trading, bribery, money laundering and embezzlement among others."
Abstract Real estate moguls have contributed significantly to the landscape of America. The paper explains that there are those real estate moguls who have succeeded brilliantly and built hotels like The Trump Plaza and that there are those who have failed miserably and had to bankrupt their businesses or are incarcerated because of fraud and deceit. Regardless of the level of their success, the contributions of real estate moguls are undeniable. This paper examines the achievements of Donald Trump, Larry Silverstein and Leona Helmsley.
From the Paper "There are many real estate developers who lose fortunes in their endeavors and their investors lose, also. What makes for a successful real estate developer? Not everyone can be a Donald Trump, who seems to have a golden touch. There seems to be a variety of factors that need to be considered when real estate developers undertake a new project. One consideration is location. The developer needs to determine if the location is appropriate for the type of project being considered. For example, a shopping plaza in a downtown area might not be as good of an idea as a shopping plaza in a suburban area. In accord with this, the neighborhood must be taken into account. When you are considering building your project, you must consider your neighbors and what they would prefer to have in their neighborhood. A small bookstore might fit nicely into a neighborhood, whereas a nightclub would not. A developer would also have to consider what the market is and what people desire in certain areas. A developer would not want to put in 100 office spaces in an area that has 150 empty office spaces already. This developer might want to consider small businesses to attract more commerce interests. Additionally, the developer would have to try to forecast whether the needs and wants of people will be approximately the same by the time the project is finished. This is sometimes very difficult to accomplish because of the time difference between inception of the idea and the reality of the completion of the project. An example of this is found in Los Angeles where "many of the high-rise towers that were developed downtown in the early '90s - just around the time that campus-style buildings were coming into vogue, the economy was heading into recession, and L.A. was losing many of its large corporate headquarters" (Hayes, 1999, p. 2)."
