Abstract
This paper discusses Alumina or Aluminum Oxide, the only oxide formed by the metal aluminum, which occurs in nature as the minerals corundum, diaspore, gibbsite and most commonly as bauxite, which is an impure form of gibbsite. The author submits that its industrial and commercial use in the modern times took off after the development of the Bayer process, which made possible the wide-scale, low cost production of the material.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Background Information: History of Alumina
Initial Manufacture of Alumina
Manufacture of Aluminum & the Bayer Process
New Natural Forms of Alumina
Properties of Alumina
Mechanical Properties
Thermal Properties
Electrical Properties
Structure of Crystalline Alumina
Alumina (Aluminum Oxide) Structure
Structure of Liquid Alumina
Applications of Alumina
Ceramics
As an Insulating Material
Electronics
Mechanical Ceramics
Military Uses
Bio Medical
Chemical Ceramics
Enameling
Refractory Uses
Chemical Industry
Catalysts, Fillers, and the Glass industry
The Bayer Process
Grinding of Bauxite
Digestion of Bauxite
Settling and washing of Residues
Crystallization of Hydrates
Calcination of Hydrate
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Fused alumina (the substance produced after being melted and re-crystallized) is identical in chemical and physical properties with natural corundum. It is a very hard material and its hardness is exceeded only by diamond and a few synthetic substances such as carborundum, and silicon carbide. This property of alumina lends itself for use as an abrasive material. Another useful property of the material is its high melting point, i.e., above 2000 C (3632 F), which makes it useful as a refractory and as linings of special furnaces. The mechanical, chemical, and electrical properties of Alumina (99.7% purity) often used in the ceramic industry are depicted in the following tables:..."

Tags:bauxite, bayer, thermal, ceramics, electronics

Abstract
This paper examines the concept of relationship marketing and its importance. The author defines relationship marketing and its goal. The paper describes loyalty programs and consumer relationship at Bayer Agribusiness.

From the Paper
"Companies often tout their customer relations but few companies actively engage in relationship marketing. In many cases, companies confuse the concept of relationship marketing with direct or target marketing. While there can be overlap in these areas, relationship marketing is designed to build loyalty between the company and the consumer-and this relationship goes both ways. The company takes a proactive approach in anticipating and meeting the needs of the consumer while the consumer comes to expect more than just a commodity from the supplier relationship."

Tags:relationship marketing, direct marketing, Bayer

Abstract
This paper explains that Pfizer and all five of its direct competitors essentially face many of the same risks such as the tendency for the marketplace to discourage the use of new medicines because of their higher costs. The author points out that the safety of products and proper usage by consumers are always concerns as demonstrated by the problems facing Bayer and Merck and, now, potentially, by Pfizer with Celebrex. The paper concludes that Pfizer is unique from its competitors and remains the leading pharmaceutical company because of its effective risk and resource management of the company's extraordinary portfolio management practices, security of the day-to-day management of resources and its research and development.

From the Paper
"The third goal, corporate social responsibility, means putting people and communities first and preserving and protecting the environment. It also means being sensitive to the needs of Pfizer's colleagues, and evaluating the company from a critical point of view. Over the past four years, Pfizer has almost tripled in size, from about 45,000 colleagues worldwide to over 122,000. In 2003, Pfizer created a global corporate citizenship coordinating team. The goal of this group is to help unify Pfizer's approach to corporate citizenship across many countries and cultures, through membership in organizations that promote responsible business practices internationally. Some of the initiatives that have been explored are the reduction of carbon monoxide emissions and supplying global energy through cleaner sources. This final goal is a symbol of Pfizer's commitment to strengthen leadership and become more responsive."

Tags:research, costs, security, goals, management

Abstract
This report examines and analyzes the company Pfizer in its position as a leading worldwide pharmaceutical company. The paper evaluates its risk position and total stock return in comparison to five of its direct competitors: Bayer AG, Merck & Co., Abbott Labs, Novartis and Eli Lilly. It also discusses the significance of Pfizer's partnerships with Pharmacia and Warner Lambert and the significance of these relationships on the company's overall financial performance.

From the Paper
"Pfizer is a research-based, global pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, manufactures and markets leading prescription medicines for humans and animals, as well as many of the world's best known consumer healthcare products. Everything done at Pfizer is a reflection of the company's mission, a commitment to serving the total health-care continuum. Fine portfolio management practices help inform company executives, the day to day management of resources, allocation of employees, uncertainty in drug development and competitive pressures call for an unprecedented in-depth analysis monitoring the company's general risk exposure."

Tags:bayer, merck, novartis

Abstract
This paper is a first person view of heroin: "Greetings, my name is Heroin. I am one of the oldest and most potent drugs ever conceived. I originally derived from the opium plant, a poppy that grows primarily in the southeast Asian/Afghanistan region. In 1897 the Bayer company synthesized me, and I have been intriguing people ever since. Ironically, I was intended as a less addictive substitute for other common opiates, specifically my brother morphine."

From the Paper
"Greetings, my name is Heroin. I am one of the oldest and most potent drugs ever conceived. I originally derived from the opium plant, a poppy that grows primarily in the southeast Asian/Afghanistan region. In 1897 the Bayer company synthesized me, and I have been intriguing people ever since. Ironically, I was intended as a less addictive substitute for other common opiates, specifically my brother morphine. Using me, especially over the long term, can make the user totally dependent on me until his whole life revolves around the effort to get the next "fix." Other long term psychological effects of me include loss of enthusiasm and involvement in everyday affairs, withdrawal from hobbies,..."

Tags:heroin, effects, first person

Abstract
This paper considers the elasticity of demand and the pricing strategy for Aspirnew, a pain reliever that is stronger and longer-lasting than aspirin. The author also explores the demand for over the counter pain relievers.

From the Paper
"Demand is said to be elastic, when the demand drops significantly as price increases. Demand is considered inelastic when consumers demand the same amount regard of the price commanded by suppliers. Taylor Bottled drinking water has a relatively ..."

Tags:aspirnew, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, aspirin, acetominaphen, tylenol, advil, aleve, bayer, price elasticity, elasticity of demand.

Abstract
Enterprise Resource Planning software solutions are software solutions that provide a common, consistent system to capture data organization-wide, to integrate information across corporate functions and to provide tools for planning and monitoring the various functions and processes towards a common purpose. This paper examines the strengths, weaknesses and services of two companies that offer ERP software solutions - PeopleSoft and SAP. The paper shows that SAP is appropriate for larger companies with the resources to support the infrastructure and implementation of a mammoth, all-comprising system, while PeopleSoft is a lower-cost, less demand-intensive alternative.

From the Paper
"PeopleSoft began in the enterprise operations software business by designing software for human-resources executives. They won their customers over with their friendly, customer-focused style. Once the firm was established within their clients' Human Resource departments, it began to offer software for other departments, starting with Finance. This approach worked for them quickly: revenues were only $33 million in 1992, but have risen to about $1.4 billion since then."

Tags:Bayer, AG, Allen, Bradley, Dave, Duffield

Abstract
The primary components used by companies in the chemical industry are petroleum and natural gas. These components aid in the production of propylene and ethylene which are petrochemicals. Currently the chemical industry makes up 7% of energy consumption in America. This paper begins by explaining the structure of the industry. It then discusses how the industry performs against Porters Model of Competition. The paper also focuses on the profitability and attractiveness of the industry. It provides an in depth analysis of the major players in the industry. Finally, the paper discusses what the future holds for the chemical industry. The paper includes a table.

From the Paper
"Commodity chemicals such as benzene and polyethylene account for 30% of U.S. chemical sales in 2001. (Chemicals Industry Profile) Commodity chemicals are greatly affected by the cost of raw materials. This segment of the industry is also greatly affected by the competition which forces companies within the industry to keep their prices low. Commodity chemicals aid in the creation of materials such as plastic, glass and fibers. Currently, the chemical industry is suffering from the effects of a sluggish economy and many companies in the industry have resorted to forming joint ventures and mergers. (Chemicals Industry Profile)."

Tags:PPG, Dow, BASF, Bayer, AG