Abstract
The paper describes efforts at Walt Disney companies to encourage and foster diversity in employees and among suppliers. The paper includes a discussion of ethical standards used by the firm.

From the Paper
"Walt Disney companies described its mission as follows: "At the Walt Disney company, we are committed to a standard of excellence in every aspect of our business and in every corner of the world, ethical and responsible conduct in all of our operations, respect for the rights of all individuals and respect for the environment." The Walt Disney company together with its subsidiaries is a diversified, worldwide entertainment company with operations in four business segments; Media Networks, Parks and Resorts,..."

Tags:leadership, diversity, organizational behavior, Walt Disney Companies

Abstract
This study focuses on the concept and phenomenon of intrapreneurship in an effort to determine its prerequisites and outcomes. This paper presents the results of the survey of fve companies and 50 employee responses. The study reveals that intrapreneurship is largely dependent on two things, people and company culture. The literature review of this paper examines each of these types of research in an effort to determine if large companies can mobilize entrepreneurial ideas to form a fundamental competitive advantage. Despite the growing interest in intrapreneurship, little empirical research has examined which factors make intraprenership successful. This paper asks two important questions. Can entrepreneurial management exist in large organizations?
Does the decision making process, culture structure, and attitude toward risk allow large companies to encourage entrepreneurial management? This paper hypothesizes that today's market is far more competitive than it has been in the past. In today's information age, traditional business strategies are no longer effective. Therefore, companies that show initiative and innovation are surviving better than those who are sticking to what they know and repeating what has worked in the past. Thus, it appears that large organizations must adapt their structure, culture, and rewards systems to embrace, harness, and exploit entrepreneurial attitudes within the company. The literature review discusses the potential factors and outcomes of intrapreneurship based on previous research and measures them in small business context. The survey aims to provide some insight about which factors promote entrepreneurial attitudes within a large company. Finally, the study discusses the results, provides a series of recommendations for large companies, and gives direction for further research.

I. Abstract
II. Table of Contents
III. Introduction
IV. Literature Review
Introduction
History of Intrapreneurship
The Definition of an Intrepreneur
The Benefits of Intrapreneurship
Prerequisites of Intrapreneurship
Outcomes of Intrapreneurship
Conclusion
Promoting Entrepreneurship Within a Company
VI. Methodology
Introduction
Description of Study
Questionnaire
VIII. Conclusions and Recommendations
Bibliography

From the Paper
"Because of this phenomenon, there is an increased interest in topics such as entrepreneurial management, corporate entrepreneurship, strategic entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship (Christenson, 2004). This is partly because of the 're-labeling' (Latour, 1999) of existing concepts, but it has also paved the way for the introduction of new practices and theories. Guth and Ginsberg [1990, p. 6] argue that "despite the growing interest in corporate entrepreneurship, there appears to be nothing near a consensus on what it is". As a result, there are theoretical inconsistencies on how the ideas should be understood. What all the proposed ideas seem to agree on, however, is that entrepreneurial activities can renew established organizations and that this can typically be achieved through innovation and venturing activities that provide the company with access to different skills, capabilities and resources (McGrath et al, 1995)."

Tags:company, investment, organization, venture

Abstract
This paper discusses the economic and political impact of large companies. It specifically analyzes the companies, Loblaw Companies Limited and General Motors Defense. In particular, the paper looks at how John A. Lederer, President of Loblaw Companies Limited and Bill
Pettipas, Executive Director of General Motors Defense, were both faced with the challenge of how to deal with these companies and their economic and political impact.

From the Paper
"In each case, a larger entity is a potential deterrent to the operation and successful strategy of the company. For Loblaw Companies Limited, it is Wal-Mart; for General Motors Defense it is the political lobbying of General Dynamics and United Defense. The way in which each of them meet their larger competitors and interact with them without being swallowed up creates another potential level of growth that they may have not achieved without this threat or challenge. To do this they may have to adapt technologies of the other; Loblaw might well negotiate with Wal-Mart to study its centralized information system, while GMD might have to expand its ability to lobby independently. Both case studies reveal that the contexts of each company are more and more part of the global system that is operant in our world; to participate within it and not be merged forcibly into it is the test and validation of a healthy organization and effective strategy."

Tags:competitors, strategy, organization

Abstract
This paper addresses several questions concerning the ethical conduct of pharmaceutical companies. The paper considers whether doctors that sit on the boards of companies can be impartial when they make decisions to financially back research/drugs of the pharmaceutical company they represent, as well as what should be the corporate responsibility of the pharmaceutical companies. Also considered is whether pharmaceutical companies have systems in place to keep them ethically responsible and if advertising by pharmaceutical companies actually creates a demand for prescriptions when no need actually exists. Numerous graphs and tables are included.

From the Paper
"Indeed, one of the unique aspects of advertising prescription pharmaceuticals is the caveat "Ask your doctor". The consumer cannot go out and directly purchase the product (note that via the internet this is now possible), but traditionally must receive a physician's endorsement by way of a prescription. The pharmaceutical industry uses this reasoning to defend its promotional tactics, claiming that because doctors ultimately authorize prescriptions the public is insulated from deceptive advertising. Yet research indicates that doctors are likely to prescribe drugs patients request under increasing pressure. Patients often insist on brand names over generic drugs, some of which are just as effective and less costly."

Tags:compensation, highest, profit, margin, industry, physician's, endorsement, product

Abstract
The objective of this paper is to conduct a research study of private military companies since the events of September 11, 2001.The paper further discusses the effects of 9/11 upon defense reform in the context of global factors or influence.

Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Present Day Private Military Company Activity
Problems with Private Military Company.
The UK's View of Hiring Private Military Companies
View From the Crown of Private Military Companies
PMCs - The Role of Private Military Companies
Determinants of PMC Growth
Market Force A Determinant
Geneva Guidelines on Defense Budgeting
UK Guidelines for Defense Reforms
Summary and Conclusion

From the Paper
"Historically, private contractors and others provided transportation and engineering needs as early as the American Revolution. In 1798 Congress passed legislation that served as guidelines for procurements of the military and the contracts were won through a bidding process with restrictions. New technologies created a demand for the private military companies as time went on. Kidwell states that: "Two overarching themes currently characterize the military management field - the process of rationalization and cyclical patterns of readiness. Rationalization refers to centralized planning (generally at a high DOD level) and systematic application of business management techniques." (nd) Cyclical patterns of readiness, according to Kidwell, refers to "the tendency- first noted by Emory Upton in the 19th century - of the US to demobilize and deemphasize military expenditures and modernization until the next conflict begins and the demand for military power is immediate. Upton referred to this phenomenon as 'chronic unpreparedness although the process more closely resembles a continuing cycle." (nd) The PMCs offer a "full range of provider, consultant, and support functions in OIF and OEF." (Kidwell, nd) DynCorp is a service company operating in 15 different industries. "

Tags:efficiency, global, environment, budget, technology, efficiency, control

Abstract
The paper notes that the roles of shareholders and stakeholders in any company differ slightly, whilst in oil companies they have varied roles because stakeholders, with or without shareholdings, are somehow invested in the current and future success of the company. This paper briefly looks at the position of oil companies in the controversial role of the holders of a resource that independent users cannot obtain in any other fashion, and discusses the social responsibility of oil companies in the economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic areas.

From the Paper
"Oil management is in fact one of the most complicated of all businesses, given the fact that market, government regulation, industry regulation and many other factors create near constant fluctuation and the fact that petroleum is one of the most flexible of all energy products, with low cost for refinement and depletion in comparison to higher cost of research and development in both reserve location and technology infrastructure building. One issue that is significant and specific to the oil industry is that the price of the crude product is the largest expense associated with a completed refined product."

Tags:government regulation, industry reserve location technology infrastructure

Abstract
This paper explores issues pertaining to ethical and moral obligations within petroleum companies through using Imperial Oil, a fictitious company, as a framework for identifying the terms of the social contract held by petroleum companies. This is achieved through identifying the strategies through which these companies tend to apply to business transactions and goal-oriented practices in a comprehensive literature review. Then, the paper provides three specific policy recommendations to Imperial Oil to ensure ethical and moral appropriateness of future transactions.

From the Paper
"Recent controversy over high costs of petroleum-based fuel has focused increased attention on the business practices of oil and gas suppliers (Pelosi, 2006). Many economists maintain that current high prices associated with these companies is misplaced, wherein the ratio of supply and demand has been inaccurately represented to investors; the resulting interest in petroleum has increased the overall cost of the product for..."

Tags:oil, moral, ethics

Abstract
This research paper attempts to determine what will happen to the employees of companies such as NGC if the U.S. government deems it necessary to reduce current spending amounts on military systems. To this end, this study considers the research and development (R&D) options for companies such as NGC, specifically, which options will be most beneficial to the employees and the general public of the U.S. Moreover, this paper looks at whether the U.S. can remain a superpower in order to protect its people from terrorism, while reducing its military expenses.

Outline:
Chapter One: Introduction
Context of the Problem
Statement of the Problem
Research Questions
Significance of the Study
Research Design and Methodology
Organization of the Study
Chapter Two: What are the Research and Development (R&D) Options for Companies such as NGC?
Chapter Three:What options will be most beneficial to the employees and the general public of the U.S.?
Chapter Four: Can the U.S. Remain a Superpower and Protect Its People from Terrorism while Reducing Its Military?
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In recent years, many pundits have been heard lamenting the loss of the 'good old days of Communism,' when America's enemies were well demarked and neatly contained in known geographic areas. By sharp contrast, today, the terrorist threats arrayed against the United States and its interests at home and abroad are dramatically different than years past, and even the most enthusiastic weapons systems advocates would likely be reluctant to suggest that such innovations would prove effective against these increasingly nebulous threats to America's security. In spite of the growing need for more sophisticated weapons and communications systems on the battlefield, some analysts suggest that the Department of Defense has failed to continue the pace of modernization projects that was historically maintained during the Cold War. One author emphasizes that, "It would be wrong to say U.S. forces have reached the point where they are forced to use obsolete weapons and equipment. On the other hand, according to the department, the need to step up modernization funding is growing with each passing year" (Brasher, 2000, p. 203). This is not to say, of course, that the new types and levels of threats have been ignored, but rather that defense spending is not being used to its maximum advantage today, but the policymakers are trying."

Tags:america, spending, cutbacks, budget, military, systems

Abstract
This paper explains that publicly-traded companies, by law and in compliance with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), must submit financial statements to the SEC and to their shareholders in accordance with Standard Accounting Practices and Auditing Procedures dictated by standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The author points out that PepsiCo and the Gillette Company present different reporting styles; although both meet and far exceed all reporting requirements, the Gillette Company "plays it very close to the vest" by restricting the distribution of their data concerning their operations such as presenting their "Costs of Goods Sold" figures as muddled as they can keep them legally. The paper concludes that the consensus from this analysis of these four companies is that their current ratio trends should continue over the next two to four years, with the possible exception of Bausch & Lomb, which must address its stiff competition or continue to suffer the company's downward trend.

From the Paper
"Bausch & Lomb publish their Returns on Equity, a dismal 6.4%, and 43.86% below the Industry Average. In addition, their published Returns on Assets also are dismal at 2.1%, and 56.25% below the Industry Average, with their Returns on Inventory Costs equally bad at 4.7%, and 37.33% below Industry Average. This company is the only one of the four to publish data usable to calculate these returns. All three of the others do not publish the information; for security reasons, both government enforced and self imposed therefore these numbers are impossible to compute for them in any comparative format."

Tags:returns-on-equity, costs, competition, standards

Abstract
Intersis (HK) Limited, a local funded direct selling company in Hong Kong selling similar kinds of products as big players in the industry, will be at the edge of being eliminated if it is not able to counter such emerging critical competitive challenges. The strategies to help Intersis (HK) Limited survive are many and various, and they are addressed throughout the paper. In addition, organizational analysis and other company-related information is addressed in the literature review in order to show that there are many issues that Intersis must address. Furthermore, this study thus focuses on facing emerging threats, and what strategy locally-owned direct selling companies need to conduct to cope with them. This allows these companies to counter and overcome the challenges to continued operation in the industry, and hopefully also lead them into a new business era.

Outline:
Chapter 1
Introduction
1.1 What is Direct Selling?
1.2 Background of Direct Selling Industry in Hong Kong and China
1.2.1 Direct Selling Industry in Hong Kong
1.2.2 Direct Selling Industry in China
1.3 Statement of the Problem
1.4 Significance of the Problem
1.5 Hypothesis
1.6 Scope of the Study
1.7 Profile of Intersis International (Hong Kong) Limited
1.8 Aims of the Study
1.9 Objectives of the Study
Chapter 2
Literature Review
2.1 Michael Porter
2.2 Intersis and the Five Forces Model
2.2.1 Rivalry among Competing Firms
2.2.2 Potential Entry of New Competitors
2.2.3 Potential Development of Substitute Products
2.2.4 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
2.2.5 Bargaining Power of Consumers
2.3 SWOT Analysis
2.3.1 Strengths
2.3.2 Weaknesses
2.3.3 Opportunities
2.3.4 Threats
2.4 Business Ethics
Chapter 3
Research Methodology
Chapter 4
Findings and Analysis
Chapter 5
Conclusions and Recommendations
Bibliography

From the Paper
"Multinational companies often come under scrutiny because they do not always use their power in the best possible way. They have a lot of clout in some of the countries they do business in, and this allows them to get privileges that they would not normally have in their home country. There are conflicting views about multinational companies. Some see them as a helping hand for rich nations to continue to enslave poor nations, but others see them as the last hope for world peace. Multinational corporations often have technology that is far greater than that of some of the countries that they sell to, and they are held in high regard. Often their products are bought, even though they are more expensive, because of the advertising campaigns they use in smaller, less developed nations.
"Multinational companies exist under diverse legal systems, and often what is allowable in one country is not allowable in another. If one country feels that a product is dangerous, but another country allows the product to be sold there, it is up to the company whether they are morally and ethically comfortable with selling a product they know can cause harm simply because there is no regulation against it."

Tags:Asia, industry, competition, survival, threats, operations