Abstract The paper offers a case study of ERG Smart Cards, a company offering the means for widespread use of smart cards. The paper explains that this is a system allowing for monetary value to be loaded onto "smart cards" with embedded microprocessors for recording transactions and calculating changes in value. The paper relates that this sort of technology has been in development for a decade or so and has been pursued by a number of companies, some in association with ERG, some acquired by ERG, and some concentrating on different aspects of the market than ERG.
From the Paper "ERG Smart Cards is a company offering the means for widespread use of smart cards, a system allowing for monetary value loaded onto "smart cards" with embedded microprocessors for recording transactions and calculating changes in value. This sort of technology has been in development for a decade or so and has been pursued by a number of companies, some in association with ERG, some acquired by ERG and some concentrating on different aspects of the market than ERG. ERG today is in a strong position for the future but is also faced with a reduced stock price because of problems with its association with Motorola, once a linchpin for the company and now a drain on the stock price. CEO Fogarty has to determine whether to continue to pursue the company strategy of concentrating on large-scale projects or chase smaller tenders."
Abstract Six page paper exploring the recent and out of control trend of college students getting themselves deep into debt by getting easy credit cards at school.
Abstract This paper offers a brief business plan for a small sports autograph and card shop, including an a website for selling the same merchandise and providing information about the sports collectibles market.
From the Paper "This business will operate a retail store selling sports autographs memorabilia and trading cards. In addition the company will have an online Web site for selling the same merchandise and for providing information about the sports collectibles market..."
Tags: small business plan, sports autograph & card shop, marketing plan
Abstract This paper uses secondary data to analyze the credit card industry along five constructs: (1) Competitive analysis: Porter's Five Forces and PEST analysis, (2) monopoly vs. perfect competition, (3) standardization vs. localization, (4) competition vs. collaboration and (5) revolutionary vs. evolutionary change. The author points out that the existing credit card industry is a mature market, but it still has room to grow as more people become familiar with the allied financial services their credit and debit cards can provide. The paper relates that VISA enjoys the most powerful credit/debit card position in consumer cards especially in business credit cards, with it has extensive and integrated work in payments processing; however, the founders of First Data/Concord EFS were particularly aggressive business people. Many tables and charts.
Table of Contents
Introduction
In Brief
Background
Flies in the First Data Ointment
Objective
Methodology
Structure of the Dissertation
Literature Review
Competitive analysis
Porter's Five Forces
Porter's Five Forces Example
PEST Analysis
Economic Factors
Socio-Cultural Factors
Technological Factors
Literature Review
Monopoly vs. Perfect Competition
Standardization vs. Localization
National Initiatives
Competition vs. Collaboration
Revolutionary vs. Evolutionary Change
Opportunities
Overview of Credit and Debit Card Industries
Top Ten Card Issuers Compared
Bank Card Profitability
Differences between Credit and Debit Cards U.S. Payment Cards-in-Force (in millions)
Off-Line Debit History
Top 10 U.S. Issuers by Card Loans
Developed vs. Less Developed Nations' Credit Card Use
VISA Volume
2003 Top 10 Countries
Global Financial Cards in Circulation - 2003
Corporate /Commercial vs. Consumer Use
Analysis of VISA's Strategy
VISA's Strengths
VISA's Weaknesses
VISA's Opportunities
VISA's Threats
STP Strategy (Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning)
Conclusion
Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "From the merchant's point of view, the merger was seen as one that would give them an alternative to VISA and MasterCard. Shortly after the merger, major STAR network contracts with high-profile banks such as Wells Fargo, Wachovia and BankOne were set to expire; this opened the field to some turmoil, in all likelihood, because VISA was already making a play to sign the same institutions for its processing and acceptance capabilities. FirstData/Concord was assumed to have the upper hand, however because analysts thought those two institutions, despite their disparate original sizes, understood contracts of that sort and banks themselves better then VISA. As it turns out, STAR did lose some of its bank contracts, reducing the value of the merger somewhat from the First Data standpoint."
Abstract The paper explains that a video card (also referred to as a graphics card) is an essential part of computer hardware. The paper relates that without these cards, monitors would not display the pixels in a format the human eye could understand. The paper discusses the evolution of the graphics card from simple chips that displayed nothing more than text, to the graphic wonders that can create any detail today. The paper predicts that they will continue to add vivid color, striking details and complex capabilities for computer users far into the future.
Outline:
Abstract
Evolution of the Graphics Card Future of the Graphics Card
From the Paper "Graphics cards are essential to the computing we know today. From PDAs to laptops, the graphics card allows the user to play games, create graphics and complex mapping, and even view the world one pixel at a time through programs such as GoogleEarth. Graphics cards have evolved from simple MDAs that only displayed text to complex cards that can render ever more complicated and detailed graphic images. In the future, computer users can expect graphics that are even more detailed, faster memory and interfaces that reduce rendering time, and even better 3D graphics that will allow them to become "part" of the screen."
Abstract The paper ascertains the attitudes of students relative to credit cards, examining their attitudes towards their perceived convenience, risk and the extra cost of potential transactions. The analysis includes both the students' and their families' income, the frequency of parents' fights over money and credit cards, specifically, and the number of credit cards carried. The paper discusses the conclusions from this research, that shows the marketing of credit cards for college students, both to their parents and to the students themselves, is extremely effective. The paper explains that credit card companies are successfully imparting the messages of control, ego gratification and the rationalization of emergencies.
Outline:
Executive Summary
Research Issue
Methodology
Analysis of Results
Conclusions/Recommendations
Limitations
Appendices
From the Paper "Fifty students were given the printed questionnaire and assured complete anonymity and privacy, and also were left alone in classrooms after sessions were over to complete the survey. A $3 Starbucks Card was offered to the first ten students to complete the survey, so that motivation to quickly finish the research instrument would be assured. Graduate-level students were asked to complete the survey during an evening course break. "The sampling focused primarily on business students, with an even mix of women and men in the samples to rule out gender bias in the analysis of the results, a research design advocated by Hair, J.F., Anderson, R.E., Tatham, R.L., & Black, W.C. (1995) in their book."
Abstract While credit cards give the consumer many advantages, this paper takes a look at how credit cards have pushed the margin on high interest rates, at hidden fees and negative marketing strategies which have put society into debt.
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
A. Americans in credit card debt.
II. Origin of credit cards A. Dates
B. Statistics
C. Relevant background
III. High Interest rates
A. Interest rates in recent years
B. Usury Laws
C. Who sets these laws?
IV. High Hidden Fees
A. The inflating Interest Rate Game
B. The Grace Period
C. Extra Fees
V. Negative Marketing Strategies
A. What to do first, if you have a complaint
B. Government agencies to contact
C. Can the company get penalties?
VI. Laws and Legislation regarding high interest rates, hidden fees and negative marketing strategies.
A. Truth in Lending Act
B.Governing finance charges
C.EFT Act
VII. CONCLUSION
From the Paper "Credit cards have become a symbol of the American way of life. Until recently Americans were enjoying a period of wealth and freedom never before experienced in history. They were in a mood to buy, and buy they did. Many turned to credit cards to make the purchases that they desired. Some commodities, such as rental cars cannot be obtained with out plunking down a credit card. While credit cards give the consumer many advantages, credit cards have pushed the margin on high interest rates, hidden fees and negative marketing strategies, putting society in to debt."
Tags: interest, consumer, dept, economy, loan, social
Abstract This paper points out the numerous opportunities for fraud that would be created if the U.S. government were to mandate the use of identity cards. The paper explains that, while the idea of issuing identity cards came about as a response to the events of 9/11, the ease and ability of creating false identity cards, as evidenced by the number of 9/11 hijackers who held false passports, could actually work against the purpose of identity cards, which is to help keep out potential terrorists.
From the Paper "Since the attacks by al-Qaeda on the United States on September 11, 2001, both citizens of and officials of our government have considered what we can do to reduce the chance that al-Qaeda could launch another successful attack. We now see long lines at airports as luggage and carry-ons are more thoroughly checked, and travelers are required to show identification multiple times before boarding planes and other public transportation systems (La Londe, 2002). However, because each state sets its own standards for issuance of major methods of identification such as driver's licenses, some have argued that the United States should issue federally controlled identity cards. In this way we could standardize the documentation required, and have more confidence that they were accurate indications of who the person is."
Abstract This paper discusses immigration and the application for and issuing of green cards. The paper notes that for those immigrants who do come to the United States to work, each needs a green card in order to have a job, a green card being an identification card that says that the individual has permission to work in the U.S. The paper points out that part of the problem has been that some employers do not pay attention to this requirement.
From the Paper "The immigration debate has heated up once more, with growing concerns about the number of people entering the country across the border with Mexico, leading to calls for more policing efforts and for the building of a fence to keep illegals out of the country. Studies have shown how the scope of the problem, which has become tied to questions of security, is also often tied to issues of the economy. Some see immigrant workers as a necessary part of the economy, taking jobs that most Americans do not want to take but want done just the same. Others believe that foreign workers only depress wages because they take certain jobs which businesses would have to pay more to get Americans to do. The evidence on this is mixed."
Abstract Discusses the adoption of smart cards in the United States. Description of the technology of digital money types including icons and special software, computer chips. Applications of electronic banking. Competitive strategies in the marketing of smart cards. Security issues involving their use. History of smart card use in Europe and Asia. Two Figures.
From the Paper "SMART CARDS: THE TECHNOLOGY, ITS ADOPTION, COMPETITION IN MARKETING SMART CARDS, AND SECURITY
Introduction
This research examines smart card technology, the adoption smart card technology by transaction card issuers in the United States, competitive strategies in the marketing of smart cards, and security issues involving the use of smart cards. One focus of this research is on the adoption of smart card technology in the United States, as opposed to the introduction of the technology, because the introduction of smart card technology in the United States occurred several years ago. The acceptance of smart cards by consumers and businesses in the United States, however, has been a slow process. The widespread use and general acceptance of smart cards in Europe contrast sharply ..."
Abstract Since the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, government officials have considered what can be done to reduce the chance of another successful attack, with some proposing to issue federally controlled identity cards. This paper argues, however, that even our most tightly-controlled document, the passport, isn?t free from use in false identification. While protecting our country from further terrorist attacks is of crucial concern, given our track record, it does not seem likely that our federal government can create an incorruptible system of identification. The paper argues that, for this reason, national identity cards could actually increase our risk of attack, since the terrorists would probably obtain such identity cards as well.
From the Paper "The argument in favor of national identity cards is of course that we would create systems that circumvent false information being used to obtain them, and that because the need is so great, the necessity is just as great. The critics point to the same evidence, that the hijackers obtained the identification they used to board the planes because of weaknesses in our documentation systems."
Abstract The paper shows that for Visa Credit Cards, there was $487 million in fraudulent charges reported last year. The fraud rates on the Internet are .09%, compared to rates of .07% in the real world. The paper provides a background to the issue of credit card fraud, its relation to Internet technology and possible solutions to overcome the problem.
From the Paper "Hoodwinks have gone high tech, using the Internet to deceive consumers in a variety of clever ways. One such way is through credit card fraud. As the use and availability of credit cards on-line increases, so does the occurrence of credit card fraud. The amount and frequency of fraud is increasing at a high rate, and many consumers fall victim to it. Credit card fraud has the ability to harm consumers and credit card companies. However, the ones suffering the most are not individuals in such a situation. Although individuals that never notice the extra charges end up paying for products they never bought, they are only responsible to pay for the first $50 if they notice the fraudulent charges and report them. Merchants tend to suffer the most, as they lose huge amounts of money in goods that were sold, yet never paid for. This has contributed to the closing of many companies, especially those on-line. Credit card companies report huge losses due to this type of fraud."
Abstract In the first part of this paper, the writer discusses the rise in credit card use and looks at the reasons behind this increase. The writer then examines how the availability of easy credit caused a fundamental shift in American tastes. The writer also evaluates how these trends could affect a consumer's purchasing power, the credit industry, and even the national economy. The writer concludes that a combination of consumerism, economic need and the easy availability of credit have contributed to the revolving debt figures in the US. Further, the writer argues that as more people become knowledgeable about credit and are turning to debit cards and cash, creditors will have to devise new ways to encourage credit spending.
Outline:
Credit History
Credit Aftermath
Economic Effects
Works Cited
From the Paper "Previous research has suggested that only a small amount of credit-card holding households were responsible for the vast majority of credit card debt. Others have shown that as credit cards became more common forms of payment, average balances increased across the board. The fact that credit cards became more readily available in the early 1990s partly accounts for this phenomenon, and tends to support the latter conclusions. It is far more likely that all people are using credit cards more, rather than merely a fraction of American households."
"Bernthal et al attributes this increase in revolving debt to intense competition among lenders. There was therefore a strong incentive for lenders to extend loans to riskier households. In the 1980s, credit cards were seen as a status symbol, only acquired by those who had disposable income. By 1995, however, the average credit card holder had lower income and was more likely to be single. The average credit card holder was also more likely to rent rather than own their home, worked in a blue collar profession and often carried higher credit card balances."
Abstract The paper relates that the credit card is responsible for the deterioration of the family's ability to manage their finances in an acceptable manner. The author validates the hypothesis that as consumers continue to incorporate credit card spending into their cultural practices, the economic impact will be the dissolution of one's economic buying power and stability. The paper researches whether additional financial education and training at the secondary level will help curb spending and the current acceptance of debt payment and debt equity as a norm of society.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Method
Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper "There is mounting evidence that the United States has become what many refer to as a "credit card nation" (Manning, 2000, p. 3), one dependent on debtor financing as an accepted and oft used form of payment among the wealthy and poor alike. The use of credit as a form of payment serves may purposes, including increasing the social status of independent users and providing users the opportunity to access services and commodities they may not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy (Klein, 1999). Along with this opportunity however, also comes a financial obligation, one many consumers fail to recognize when they accept credit card financing as a primary vehicle for achievement and success (Klein, 1999)."
Abstract The paper explores the numerous details of credit card fraud by taking a look at the collection of data required to commit credit card fraud, uses for this data, and how the criminal employs it to obtain credit fraudulently. The paper provides a real life example along with a list of ways to recognize the danger posed by this type of fraud.
Outline:
Collection of Data
Real Life Example
Conclusion
From the Paper "In a three year period, 2004 through 2006, approximately 1.27 million complaints of fraud were reported totaling over $2.4 billion; the most common form being credit card fraud, which accounted for approximately 30% of the reported incidents (Federal Trade Commission 7). Since the advent of the internet, criminals have found it increasingly easy to steal the identities of individuals, primarily through credit card fraud. However, even with significant advances in technology, many of the methods used to commit credit card fraud are decidedly simple. The way in which technology has really aided criminals is the widespread availability of personal information and a variety of techniques to collect an individual's data."
