Abstract This paper examines the book store, Barnes and Noble, claiming that it started out as the run of the mill book shop and has today grown with the changes that have occurred in technology. The paper explains how Barnes and Noble have incorporated the changes of these digital times in their mode of functioning to offer a wider range of services keeping in mind the dynamic nature of customer demands, to become the largest supplier of all kinds of reading materials either through their physical outlets or their virtual outlets.
Outline
Introduction
History
Use of Internet and Information Services
Barnes and Noble in the Future
Activities to Offset Competition
Conclusion
From the Paper "The origins of Barnes and Noble go back to 1873, when Charles M. Barnes began a book business from home in Wheaton, Illinois. His son, William, proceeded in 1917 to New York to associate with G Clifford Noble in starting Barnes and Noble. At the peak of the Great Depression, the store that was to become the flagship of Barnes and Noble was opened on Fifth Avenue at 18th Street in New York City., where it can still be seen today. This store was to earn a reputation worldwide for excellence in providing service to millions of customers possessing a full collection of general trade books, academic titles, medical books and text books. The present Chairman of the company started his bookselling career, when he was at the New York University as a student. He was employed at the bookstore of the university and was fully convinced that he would do a better job in the service of students and started a competing store. Using just a small investment he set up the Student Book Exchange at Greenwich Village in Manhattan and in a short time the store earned a reputation for being one of the finest bookstores with a wide selection of books and great service from its knowledgeable staff."
Abstract The paper outlines the elements of a clear business plan for Barnes and Noble that would include the opportunities, competition, an analysis of the environment, a financial plan, an analysis of the risks and implications of conducting international business and a focus on the administrative nature of their internal affairs. The paper then examines the business opportunity in Australia and provides a SWOT analysis of the company and the environment. The paper discusses the competitive advantages the company would have to meet and offers a look at the economic/geographic environment of Australia.
Outline:
Introduction
Global Business Opportunities
International Competitors
The Economic/Geographic Environment
From the Paper "Due to the numerous changes brought about by the twentieth century, organizations are now able to expand their businesses overseas more easily. And they try in this sense to seize any opportunity that would lead to increased organizational profits. The American corporations are the ultimate epitome of international success and to prove this, just take a glimpse at Nike, Microsoft or McDonald's. Barnes and Noble is also an organization that has been considering the penetration of foreign markets in the attempt to gain more customers, and consequently increase their profits."
Abstract In 2000, Barnes and Noble.com - a subsidiary of Barnes & Noble Inc., one of the largest retailers of books - decided it needed to upgrade its systems before the holidays to better serve consumers. This paper examines the decision by Barnes and Noble.com to use Microsoft technologies, including .NET server and SQL Server 2000. It also offers alternatives.
From the Paper "In its case study, Microsoft claims Barnes & Noble.com was able to simplify administration and management of its systems, thereby lowering its IT operations and support costs. The case study also claims the increased server efficiency with Windows 2000 Advanced Server and SQL Server 2000 has increased Barnes & Noble.com's ability to process transactions. In the 2000 holiday season, the site processed 75,000 packages per day. Also, customer order fulfillment ran nearly 30 percent faster on the new technologies, which allowed Barnes & Noble.com to exceed promised delivery dates to customers 99 percent of the time."
Abstract This paper is an internal analysis of the world's largest bookseller, Barnes & Noble. It discusses the company's innovations in retailing. The author identifies factors that have contributed to the development of competitive advantage and success. It expands on the company's core competencies and value chain namely, its resources.
From the Paper "Noble is the world's largest bookseller and describes itself as the only bookseller with a fully operational multi-channel strategy with retail locations from coast-to-coast and an online subsidiary. Barnes Noble ..."
Abstract This paper provides an insight into the web sites of Amazon in comparison with the site of Barnes and Nobles. The facts and figures to distinguish have been taken from various newspapers, which prove that both the companies stand as strong competitors against each other.
Abstract Retailing has become extremely competitive over the last ten years. The Internet has allowed customers to access retailers by just clicking a mouse as opposed to physically visiting a retail location. This paper compares and contrasts a "click and click" company (Amazon.com) and a "click and brick" company (Barnes and Nobles Inc.). Each of these companies sells books and offers additional consumer goods. The paper presents a SWOT analysis on each of the companies to show its niche in the market.
From the Paper "Barnes & Noble needs to lower its prices on new bestsellers to compete with discount stores that offer discounts on current books. The company needs to enhance its web site and offer more links. Barnes and Nobles could also offer more information about the books it sells. Barnes and Nobles may also want to consider selling used books or offering club members consignment on books to compete Amazon's used market."
Abstract This paper explains that, as the second largest retailing book store in the U.S., Borders has large financial resources to implement its strategies. The author states that Borders' strategic plan is to redirect business revenue from stock holders and dividends and back into the business. The paper relates that, with the added cash flow, marketing efforts will be increased and directed at women and baby bombers in an effort to attract these larger demographics. The author anticipates an increased market share and double digit growth over a 24 month period. The paper compares Borders with its major competitor Barnes and Nobles, which is the largest book retailer in the U.S., suggesting that Borders carries more titles from smaller publishers or self-published books in small quantity. The paper includes detailed accounting tables and an annotated bibliography.
Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
Business Description
Ownership and Management
Key Initiatives and Objectives
Marketing Opportunities
Competitive Advantages
Marketing Strategy
Summary of Financial Projections
Confidentiality
Recognition of Risk
Business Overview
Business History
Vision and Mission Statement
Objectives
Ownership
Location and Facilities
Products and Services
Description of Products and Services
Key Features of the Products and Services
Production of Products and Services
Future Products and Services
Comparative Advantages in Production
Industry Overview
Market Research
Size of the Industry
Key Product Segments
Key Market Segments
Purchase Process and Buying Criteria
Description of Industry Participants
Key Industry Trends
Industry Outlook
Marketing Strategy
Target Markets
Description of Key Competitors
Analysis of Competitive Position
Pricing Strategy
Promotion Strategy
Distribution Strategy
Management and Staffing
Organizational Structure
Management Team
Staffing
Labor Market Issues
Regulatory Issues
Intellectual Property Protection
Regulatory Issues
Risks
Market Risks
Other Risks
Implementation Plan
Implementation Activities and Dates
Financial Plan
Beginning Balance Sheet
Discussion of Projected Net Income
Discussion of Monthly Cash Flow Statement
Discussion of Projected Annual Cash Flow
Discussion of Pro-Forma Balance Sheet
Discussion of Business Ratios
Pro Forma Income Statement
Cash Flow Statement, Year 1
Three Year Projected Annual Cash Flow
Balance Sheet
Business Ratios
Note 1: Revenue Assumptions
Note 2: Assumptions Regarding the Collection of Sales Revenue
Note 3: Cost of Sales Assumptions
Note 4: Sales and Marketing Assumptions
Note 5: Property and Utilities Assumptions
Note 6: Operations Assumptions
Note 7: Banking and Other Assumptions
Note 8: Wages and Other Assumptions
Note 9: Other Sources of Funding
Note 10: Other Uses of Funding
From the Paper "In order to boost sales and attract new customers. Borders would use different types of promotional tools to achieve that. We would focus our advertisement on newspaper and magazines that related to retirement and health. The reason is because these channels allows us to reach our target market -- baby boomer. In addition to the advertisement, we also include discount coupons, and special deals when they visit our stores on certain day. Advertisement would also be used when there's new stores open. For our Borders Rewards Club, we hold regular events and book signing. The purpose is to get more attention from the public and get more people come to our stores."
Abstract This three page undergraduate paper examines Faulkner's short story, "Barn Burning." The author notes that in detailing the distinctive formal characteristics of William Faulkner's short story, 'Barn Burning', it is evident that these characteristics reveal the modernist elements in the story. The form Faulkner used in telling the tale of Sarty Snopes and his family is typical of modernist approaches to literature, for he utilized a stream-of-consciousness narrator and created scenes where the action took place in culturally degenerate settings.
From the Paper "In detailing the distinctive formal characteristics of William Faulkner's short story, "Barn Burning" it is evident that these characteristics reveal the modernist elements in the story. The form Faulkner used in telling the tale of Sarty Snopes and his family is typical of modernist approaches to literature, for he utilized a stream-of-consciousness narrator and created scenes where the action took place in culturally degenerate settings. These distinctive formal characteristics of modernist literature were incorporated by Faulkner into "Barn Burning'' because he considered that modernist literary devices were necessary in order to portray his characters exactly the same way as he envisioned them."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the Julia Barnes' somewhat cynical view of reality as a human construction in her novel "England, England". The paper focuses on the characters' attempts to cope with reality and their desire to look past the constructions in their own and others' lives.
From the Paper "In "England, England", Julian Barnes theorizes that what people perceive to be reality is merely a construction. He argues that people create this construction for themselves because of a desire to simplify their lives. What people consider to be true memories and actual history are distortions, no more real than stories, except in that people believe these memories and histories to be real."
Abstract This book review describes the theme shared by both "Barn Burning" and "Araby" about the conflict between a protagonists' inner conceptions of what the external world should be like, and the actual reality of their respective circumstances. The review includes a plot summary of both novels, with a focus on the theme of inner conflict. The reviewer concludes that each of these stories tells the tale of a young boy being introduced to adulthood by having his innermost conceptions of truth coming into conflict with the very real circumstances of his life.
From the Paper " In "Araby," the narrator becomes increasingly consumed by idealistic and romantic thoughts of Mangan's sister as the story progresses. There is a tumultuous mingling of the realities in the narrator's life, and the imaginary and exotic dreams that come to dominate his thoughts. Of course, this dangerous combination centers upon Mangan's sister; she represents both the exciting and the mundane. This is fundamentally because although she is a part of the ordinary atmosphere of northern Dublin, she remains something strange and somehow unattainable for the main character."
Abstract This paper begins with a brief examination of the life and accomplishments of Alfred North Whitehead. The paper then goes on to describe the three elements, according to Whitehead, that play a vital role in the intellectual and ethical evolution of humanity. The paper also defines Whitehead's theory of noble discontent and its three internal related aspects. Each of Whitehead's three essential elements to humanity's evolution are then discussed and analyzed in detail.
From the Paper "According to the philosopher Alfred North Whitehead there are three terms that play a vital role in the intellectual and ethical evolution of humanity. Whitehead argues that without these three elements the evolutionary process would not occur. The term "noble discontent" from Alfred North Whitehead's readings Adventure of Ideas is structured by, beauty, intelligence and duty. This paper will argue that Whitehead's notion of "noble discontent" is a key ingredient in the intellectual and ethical development of human society since it has driven man to a higher rational thinker."
Tags: philosophy math, alfred north whitehead, noble discontent
This paper discusses not only the history and custom of Amish barn raisings, but deals with theoretical work on feasting that often accompanies group work projects in less "modern" cultures.
5,425 words (approx. 21.7 pages), 4 sources, 2001, $ 133.95
Abstract This paper examines the Amish barn raising feast within Dietler's and Herbich's theoretical framework of the Collective Work Event (CWE) and elucidates the role of the feast within the barn raising event, as well as the event itself within a broader social context. The investigation begins with a description of barn raisings within the Old Order Amish community of Goshen, Indiana and then discusses the concepts of the Work Feast and Work Exchange beneath the CWE rubric. Finally, barn raising as an ethnographic object is analyzed using Dietler's and Herbich's six descriptive factors to determine the relevance of the framework to the Amish and to uncover other aspects relevant to a larger discourse of feasting.
Abstract In discussing the issue of cultural modernism as the context in which "Barn Burning" operates, this paper cites two dominant themes that illustrate the emergence and pervasiveness of cultural change in the lives of Americans during the period. The first theme looks into the disintegration of the family institution and desecration of parental authority. This is relevantly demonstrated through the interaction of Abner Snopes with his son, Sartoris, as well as the depiction of the Snopes family all throughout the story. The second theme talks about the deconstruction of society's social class and race stratifications, wherein the influence of cultural modernism led to the development of an egalitarian society. The development of an almost egalitarian society is a state where individuals from all social classes and races are given a chance to become socioeconomically mobile in the society. In the texts that follow, these two dominant themes are discussed and analyzed with references to the short story, "Barn Burning."
From the Paper "The first theme of the story, which illustrates of the disintegration of the family and displacement of parental authority, is parallel with Faulkner's central focus on family relations in "Barn Burning." In the story, the Snopes family is illustrated as being dysfunctional, primarily because of the dominant and abusive behavior of Abner Snopes, father to Sartoris or Sarty, whose point of view Faulkner has adopted in narrating the events of that occurred in the story."
Abstract This paper explains that the Emery Barnes Park is one of three parks in the downtown south region of Vancouver, which are intended to bring 4.5 acres of park space to the residents of the area. The author points out that the cultivation of the landscape matches the up-market culture of the region. The paper describes the elegant lines, modern architectural touches and elegant old-world stone structures, which characterize this landscape. The author relates that, despite some old world touches, the atmosphere of the park creates a feeling of modernism with its forward-looking view of the world, which focuses on reason, scientific rationality, creativity, progress and novelty. The paper states that the park is named for Emery Barnes, a longtime community activist who was chosen to represent the park because of his commitment to human rights and helping the disadvantaged, a big part of Canada's liberal cultural policy. The paper includes color photos.
From the Paper "Perhaps many years ago the region may have been somewhat derelict, or at the very least ordinary: the urbanization of the downtown region has replaced some fairly seedy regions, which still exist on the east side of the downtown area. The park's structure is notable because it is very open. Residents in the area typically live in condos or apartments, and therefore have no back yard or natural space to enjoy. Emery Barnes Park therefore operates as a place of relaxation and enjoyment of both natural and man-made beauty. The green grass gives the urban residents the chance to walk on green lawn, bare foot if they wish to."
Abstract This paper explains that Djuna Barnes's classic novel "Nightwood" was one of the few great modernist works to address the subject of homosexuality in such an explicit light. The novel deals with the tumultuous relationship of Nora and Robin, a pair of lesbians, and their circle of friends, most notably Matthew, a gay doctor. The author selects a few passages to examine the symbolic role that homosexuality plays throughout the novel particularly within the symbolic polarity of "night" versus "day". The paper explores the connection articulated by Barnes between homosexuality and death and attempts to unravel the complex implications of such an association.
From the Paper "The third chapter, "Watchman, What of the Night?" explores this notion of homosexuals as "night people" in great detail. Shortly after Robin has left Nora, Nora shows up at Matthew's house one night around three in the morning in order to discuss her loss. While arriving unexpectedly on someone's doorstep at such a late hour would be considered highly unusual from a "normal" perspective, it seems perfectly natural within the discourse of the "night people" that Barnes has set up in her work. In lieu of consolation, Matthew offers Nora a prolonged discourse on the nature of homosexuality."
