Abstract This paper discusses the different approaches and focuses of American and Japanese businessmen during business negotiations. It particularly explores the emphasis the Japanese place upon fostering "harmony" in business dealings and how they perceive the business meeting between two sides as not a time for further negotiation, but as an opportunity for both sides to express their commitment to the deal brokered. It then discusses how these different focuses can affect business relations between the two parties.
From the Paper "To close, the preceding several pages have outlined how it may be possible for an American firm to negotiate in good faith with a Japanese company, secure valued concessions - and, ultimately, lose the deal or the cherished business relationship. Quite simply, the Japanese view business meetings and business arrangements in a way that is markedly different from the way Americans view them, and any U.S. firm which places bottom-line considerations before the building of personal and professional relationships is setting itself up for failure."
Abstract This paper details the life of one of the most influential businessmen in U.S. history, Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie's legacy includes many philanthropic endowments which set the tone for his day, but he is also remembered as being one of the greatest robber barons of his day who controlled the giant steel industry. According to this author, Carnegie was an complex individual, who vocally supported unions in public, but in private did everything in his power to stem their power in his many different factories. It is ironic that, in the late 1800s, the first union in America was formed in one of Carnegie's plants and his actions would lead to one of the most violent strikes in history. The resolution of this strike was the reason the introduction of government regulations involving collective bargaining arrangements in labor disputes that still exist today. The author cites several examples where Carnegie's actions did not match his deeds and only served to fuel the fires of discontent among the union members. The author also discusses how despite the fact that many businessmen, like Carnegie supported the concept of monopolies, by the beginning of the twentieth century, things had begun to change.
According to this author, the unions were drawing attention to the worker's needs and rights and as a result, the government began to develop new regulations for businesses which lead to the eventual demise of monopolies. The author concludes with several comments about how Carnegie eventually came to publically acknowledge that the labor unions and shared wealth were a better option for the country.
From the Paper "Carnegie had created his business empire upon the simple concept that a monopoly is, for the monopolist, the most efficient way to do business. Without competition, the owner can create the most efficient production and delivery system he can without wasting time and money negotiating and competing with others. This was the precept of Carnegie and those like him ? the nation is better off with monopolies. But, the workers, the masses of thousands and millions who filled the factories and mined the ore, who broke their backs and their families for virtually no money, these were the people who brought the reality of the monopoly to the attention of the government. It was the union, and its ability to bring a large voice in the form of unification that could speak as loud as that of the one person at the head of the company. Unions, then, brought about an equalization."
Abstract This paper explains how the film shows members of a jury interact and make decisions, which would be true for juries in business cases as well as criminal cases. The film also portrays some of the social forces that affect the way businessmen operate and direct their businesses. One social topic discussed is how many of the jurors are businessmen who show their own prejudices against certain minority groups and poor people, attitudes which would affect how they hired, how they marketed, and how they conducted business at all levels.
From the Paper "The characters are not given names but only numbers, their juror numbers, but they are individualized by their attitudes, their approach to the task at hand, and their prejudices as brought out during their discussions with one another. The film tells of one particular jury deliberating a murder case in which a young man from the slums is accused of stabbing his father to death. Juror Eight is the only one who votes not guilty because he has some reasonable doubts, while the other eleven jurors want to convict and go home. Deliberations continue as the eleven try to convince the one. The fact that the one is holding out forces the jurors to discuss the issues and to analyze the case more deeply than they were inclined to do so in the first place. Ultimately, Eight changes the minds of everyone, even the final holdout, Number Three, and the jury votes "Not Guilty." "
The paper discusses the impact of the events of 9/11 on the US economy, looking at such important issues as consumer spending, airline industry, investment and unemployment.
Abstract This paper discusses the impact of September 11 tragedy on the economic conditions of the United States. The author examines how the economy, which had showed a dismal performance for three consecutive quarters before September, completely collapsed when the disaster struck as consumer spending decreased with lower purchasing power, investment and borrowing declined, all industries reported lower profits and there was an alarming increase in unemployment. The paper also briefly discusses the condition of the airline industry after the tragic events of 9/11.
From the paper:
"The United States economy had already been predicted to go into recession when the tragedy of September 11 struck and accelerated the downward spiral of economic conditions of our country. . The economy crumpled as many industries in the country were hit harshly by the attacks and the slow down finally took shape of recession. After three quarters of poor GDP growth, it was almost certain that the economy was heading towards recession but September 11th attacks only accelerated the negative process. The government has been unable to generate enough Consumer-spending despite several announcements of tax cuts, which are aimed at giving people more purchasing power. Money supply and demand in the market is insufficient to tempt businessmen to increase production."
This paper contrasts and compares the character of Willy Loman in Arthur Miller's play, "Death of a Salesman," and Aristotle's definition of a tragic hero in "Poetics."
Abstract This paper focuses on the character of Wily Loman and finds out how the man fits the description of a tragic hero as given by Aristotle in his book, ?Poetics.' Willy Loman is the leading character of Arthur Miller's play titled "Death of a Salesman" which appeared in 1949. The author of this paper feels that Willy Loman is unable to distinguish between reality and illusion. Using examples from the play, the author shows how Loman feels that he and his son are successful businessmen but in reality he is a weak fellow who is incapable of turning his dreams into reality.
From the Paper "Aristotle also clearly said that a tragic hero was not someone who brought misfortune upon himself through some accident. For example while Brutus was a tragic hero, Julius Caeser himself cannot be categorized as one because the latter as killed by those whom he had trusted while the former ruins himself because of a series of errors. Therefore it is clear that a tragic hero is the one who commits series of mistakes and therefore ultimately ruins himself and meets a tragic end. Willy Loman too did not become suicidal all of a sudden, he committed grave errors form time to time because he failed to acknowledge the importance of hard work and thus finally met a tragic death which was more a result of living in an imagery world than anything else."
The paper disusses the need for reforms in business school curriculums to include subjects such as business ethics, in the wake of the recent spate of dishonest business practices.
Abstract The paper shows that in the wake of recent dishonest practices by Enron, WorldCom, Global Crossing, Xerox, Qwest, Arthur Andersen and Merck, many people are asking how businessmen, believed to be so well educated and leaders in corporate America, lacked the moral courage to seek and state the truth. It shows how business ethics has been thrown to the side as a wild-wild-west form of capitalism has taken hold on America's corporate leaders. This corporate malfeasance has cost thousands of jobs, trillions of dollars in stockholder value, and a skepticism of our once revered free economic system. This paper shows show why a lack of business ethics is such a far-reaching problem in our society and suggests reforms in the business school curriculum to help instill responsibility and accountability in our business leaders. It also shows how consumer education classes would help protect individuals from becoming victims of corporate greed.
From the Paper "Everywhere we look corporate America is bombarding us with advertising in the hopes of creating demand for their relatively unneeded products. Britney Spears dancing around selling Pepsi, the Dell Computers "Dude you"re getting a Dell? guy, and the billboards for SKYY vodka with images of sexy supermodels are used to create desires for individuals to increase their spending and sink further into debt. One of the underlying problems that corporations have had is that even if they bombard us with sexual images that sell products is that our demand can only be as big as our pocket books. Corporate America then came up with the idea of credit cards, which eased the liquidity problems. An article entitled "Corporate Power and the Evolution of Consumer Credit" appearing in the December 2000 issue of The Journal of Economic Issues, John Watkins, professor of Economics at Westminster College, describes how corporate power has perpetuated the debt crisis in America."
Provides an overview of the rise and fall of public interest in affordable housing in New York City during the late 1980s and early 1990s, focusing on the points of view of businessmen and realtors.
4,950 words (approx. 19.8 pages), 15 sources, 1993, $ 135.95
From the Paper "THE RISE AND FALL OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN NEW YORK
Introduction
The intent in this paper is to provide an overview of the rise and fall of interest in affordable housing in New York City during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Primarily, this will be viewed through the lens of the businessperson, or real estate investor, although other perspective will be mentioned. The problems inherent in creating and maintaining affordable housing in a major metropolitan area are exemplified by this case study.
Background
In looking at the history of the creation of affordable ..."
Abstract This paper outlines the key changes in the profession: The shift from repository to brokerage that accompanied computerization and the development of the Internet and intranets. The author concludes that, in terms of their responsibilities, information managers are managers first, businessmen second and technologists last.
Abstract This paper examines how John Wanamaker, one of the most prominent businessmen in the United States, could be against material possessions but still promote a new era of consumerism.
Abstract This paper discusses how Alan Greenspan, Jim Clark, and John Meriwether possess abilities unfathomable to normal men ,and even men in their respective fields in both the public and private sectors. Alan Greenspan is chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Jim Clark is the founder of Silicon Graphics, Netscape, and what is now Heatheon/WebMD, and John Meriwether is the founder of Long Term Capital Management. It looks at how their power and positions reflect their ability to lead and control and how their capability to manipulate and manage their workers or co-workers allowed for them to be able to shift the focus to their personal agendas. It shows how, by installing senses of family and loyalty in their work force, all these men gained the respect of those around them. By being the leaders that they are, they are able to forever change the world we live in.
From the Paper "Jim Clark was a leader like Greenspan in the sense he was able to get people to do what he wanted, but Clark led through innovation and excitement where as Greenspan lead through knowledge and leverage. Among current day business figures, few inspire more devotion and dedication from their followers than Clark. All he has to do is announce a new idea and the talent, as well as the money arrives immediately. Jim Clark, founder of Silicon Graphics, Netscape and what is now Heatheon/WebMD, has an ability to express groundbreaking ideas in a way that attracts both start-up capital and technical expertise. Yet the actual execution of these "New New" ideas, the routine tasks of creating a company, getting and paying employees, etc. have generally been left to others."
Abstract This paper discusses thoroughly Musashi's book by looking in depth at each separate 'book' contained within it. The author points out that Musashi's "Book of Five Rings" at first appears to be a war tale, but on deeper examination is a story that gives insight into human beings and helps them to understand why they do some of the things that they do. The paper concludes that this book can be used in modern-day life and is popular with many Japanese businessmen when competing over customers and contracts.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Musashi's Introduction
The Ground Book (The Earth Book)
The Water Book
The Fire Book
The Wind Book
The Book of the Void (The Book of Emptiness)
Conclusion
From the Paper "After that, Musashi tells that he went to all different provinces and met all kinds of strategists, and engaged them in duels. His claim is that he always won, no matter how difficult the task. He estimates that between the ages of 13 and approximately 29 he was involved in no less than 60 duels of this kind. While this seems very impressive, Musashi was not happy with it. At 30 years of age, he realized that he had not one because he had mastered the way of the strategy. He believed that perhaps he simply had a natural ability or that the strategies of other schools and provinces were inferior."
Abstract This paper argues that the government of the United States has had a free run in many public policy matters, including the war on drugs. While the crusade was, by and large, assumed to be legitimate and adherent to public policy and national security measures. it has a very devious and conniving agenda known only to a select few. The paper argues that what is said to be a war fought on the lines of national safety measures and upholding of public policy is, in truth, an agenda to fill the coffers of influential people, including politicians, congressmen, and businessmen.
From the Paper "While the administration calls for increased and renewed funding of its efforts on the war on drugs, a look at some truly startling figures proves beyond doubt the ulterior motive of the people who run the government. A study has indicated that virtually every part of the federal government has benefited extensively due to the increased funding under the banner ?War on Drugs.? It seems that the annual average budget allocation of $20 billion goes a long way and has extensive aims other than mere fighting off drug trafficking, proliferation and usage."
Abstract This paper discusses the mild successes Arab-American entrepreneurs have built for themselves. The paper points out that, without continued growth, most businesses fail, and without financial or political strength, most businesses cannot continue to grow. The paper explores the need for Arab-American businessmen to band together in order to improve their business ventures.
From the Paper "According to the 2000 U.S. Census, nearly 45,000 Arabs live in the six-county area surrounding Chicago (most of them in Cook County). Of these, most are concentrated in the Southwest side of the city, but also in the southwest suburbs such as Bridgeview, Oak Lawn and Burbank. However, community-based experts put the number even higher, at 150,000 (Abowd). Others (e.g. journalist Ray Hanania) post this number even higher, at 250,000. This discrepancy exists primarily because the long form of the census does not count "Arab-American" as a separate ethnic group, and many immigrants are hesitant to claim their ethnic status for fear of such things as deportation. Therefore, it makes sense to go with the larger numbers; and even if it does not quite rise to the highest end of the possible range, a community numbering even one hundred thousand makes the Arab community in the greater Chicago metropolitan area one of the largest in the country. The Arab-American community in Chicago has been growing since 1899, in fact, when the first large wave of Arab immigration hit the United States (Abowd)."
A look into the role of the Coney Island area and attractions from its beginnings as a retreat for New Yorkers in the late 1800s to a thriving amusement park that peaked in the mid 1900s.
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of the Coney Island area historically and as a symbol of New York City. The first section deals with the rich history of Coney Island, beginning as a hotel resort for New Yorkers to visit during vacations. Coney Island landmarks, such as the Coney Island Elephant Hotel and The Iron Tower are discussed with their individual history given. The competition among New York businessmen to develop the area is also investigated, showing how rivals would fight each other viciously over the prime real estate. The paper then talks about the amusement park era and how Coney Island began to transform itself into a nationally recognized location. A section of the paper is also dedicated to the famous Coney Island Freak Show. Finally, the historical section of the paper ends with the lag in business that hit the area after World War II and how Coney Island exists in modernity as a throwback to past generations. The second section of the paper deals with how Coney Island has become a center of cultural pride for New Yorkers.
From the Paper "Coney Island represented a shift from the old Victorian mentality that many New Yorkers felt during most of the 1800s and into a new outlook of association that contained all citizens of New York City, not just the rich. The privilege of enjoyment was no longer reserved for those with money, but the low prices and massive amount of commercialism that Coney Island would become famous for would aid in the evolution of the city into becoming the representation of all that is America. In light of this optimism, Coney Island also had a darker side. Despite the cultural diversity and economic success the amusement center produced, the achievements concealed the exploitation of certain groups and the corruption that went along with the construction of such a major center of entertainment."
This paper discusses the history of Hawaii from the time that Kamehameha the Great unified the islands in 1810, to its annexation as Hawaii Territory, a United States territory, in 1900.
Abstract This paper explains that, from the time when Kamehameha the Great unified the islands in 1810, to the overthrow of the Hawaiian government in 1893, Hawaii metamorphosed from a feudal society into an independent constitutional monarchy, which, compared to the similar development in Europe, practically happened overnight in Hawaii. The author points out, that in 1887, a group of American and European businessmen and an armed militia, associated with a secret society called the Hawaiian League, which favored annexation to the United States, forced the king at gunpoint with a bayonet at his throat to accept what is today known as the Bayonet Constitution. The paper relates that President Grover Cleveland had refused to approve the annexation of Hawaii; however, in 1896, William McKinley replaced Cleveland as president and gave his blessing to annexation.
From the Paper "The Wilson-Gorman Act passed by Congress in 1894 discontinued the bonus to sugar producers in the United States and restored the tariff on sugar imported into that country, so that the Hawaiian sugar industry once more enjoyed the benefits conferred by the reciprocity treaty. Consequently the labor question again became pressing. In the 1880's the government had begun the introduction of contract laborers from Japan in order to counterbalance the Chinese and restrictions had been placed upon the immigration of Chinese. In the 1890's the situation was reversed. By 1896, the Japanese made up nearly a fourth of the whole population. There were real fears that Hawaii might become a Japanese colony. Various measures were therefore adopted to reduce the volume of Japanese immigration and to encourage the immigration of Chinese. Yet during three years, from 1895 to 1897 that this policy was followed, the number of Japanese immigrants still exceeded the Chinese by more than two thousand."