Abstract Discusses successes and failures of international firms. Role of stress. Pressure exerted on international companies and American companies expanding overseas. Diminishing importance of technological advantage. Competetive advantages. Competition pressures from the Internet and global companies. Difficulties of U.S. in competing with other nations. Quality and communication problems. Strategies for U.S. firms.
From the Paper "GLOBAL COMPANIES AND PRESSURE EXERTED ON THEM.
This is an overview of international success, stress, and occasional failure. "Why do some nations succeed and others fail in international competition?…The United States is an obvious example, with its growing debate about the apparently greater economic success of other trading nations." (Porter 1990 1)
Until recently, "one of the greatest comparative advantages for U.S. firms involves their level of technological innovation." (Evans 1990 638) For years, as an example, Boeing, located in Seattle, was the world's premier creator and builder of passenger and military aircraft. In recent years, however, Airbus Industrie, financed by a consortium of governments including France, Germany and Great Britain, have cut into the near-mono0poly of Boeing. Now, Airbus is planning an enormous ..."
Presents a research proposal that focuses on data warehousing and its utilization as a strategic weapon to gain competitive advantage within organizations.
Abstract These paper presents the overall aims and objectives of a research proposal on data warehousing. The paper then provides information that documents the state of the art in research focused on data warehousing within organizations, as well as a justification for further research in this area. Finally, the research methodology to be employed, the deliverables associated with the research, and a work plan are delineated.
From the Paper "As noted by Foote and Krishnamurthi, (2001), until very recently, the forecasting process used by companies was relatively subjective and was dependent upon the opinions of company executives, sales force analysts, and industry analysts, who were not always extremely reliant in aiding the company to in the production of satisfactory outcomes. Quite frequently, as reported by Foote and Krishnamurthi, companies found that they had missed the mark in forecasting and consequently had failed in achieving profitability, reliability and a competitive vantage position in their industry. Thus, companies are increasingly recognizing the value of investing in an information system to support their forecasting process. According to Foote and Krishnamurthi, a data warehouse has come to be identified as assuming a pivotal role in gaining the knowledge needed by companies to implement reliable systems for forecasting."
Examines the changes in the educational methods and curriculum that have occurred in the last 15 - 20 years and how they have negatively impacted students, in particular, boys.
Abstract This paper looks at the emotional and development differences between school-age boys and girls and how these differences directly impact their ability to learn and do well in school. Particular attention is paid to the changes that have taken place in the educational ideology and philosophy over the last 15 to 20 years and how these changes have been detrimental to the learning process of school-age boys.
From the Paper "During the past 2 decades, the shift in educational styles has proven to be a bit of slaying the goose which laid the golden eggs. As social orders began to loosen it was felt that stiff, highly didactic teaching format had also become outdated. Social issues were replaced by static history lessons and rote memorization was no longer considered an important aspect of the educational process. Because it take 12 years for the full effects of changing educational initiatives to show themselves on the achievement test scores, and many of these initiatives were phased into the school systems, the slow decline in educational performance did not make the educators radar screens until a large scale free fall was in process."
Abstract This paper emphasizes the importance of integrating business strategy and human resource management and then identifies three different aspects of their integration. The paper goes on to look at how the integration of business strategy and human resource management applies to the hospitality industry and looks at the different strategies that have been used in this industry.
From the Paper "The practices of people management have received additional importance due to the present emphasis on the renewed interest in human resources. Traditionally, there has always been a dividing line between operational managers and personnel managers who are now called human resource managers. In the United States the function of personnel management has been a recognized function since the National Cash Register Company had opened their personnel office in the 1890s. The American personnel managers have always closely identified themselves with the objectives of the organization and this may be considered as a unitary tradition. With this tradition, it was natural that Human Resources Management emerged in a very smooth manner. Some of us had however felt that personnel management also insisted on being called as human resources management by some companies was not really a relevant management function and served only to throttle the natural flair, initiative and creativity of the people. (The Independent, 12 May, 1994)."
Abstract This paper examines how the use of ?downsizing,? defined as an organization's conscious use of permanent personal reductions in an attempt to improve its efficiency and/or effectiveness (Budros 1999), affects an organization's human resources costs, structure, and competitiveness in its market.
From the Paper "Corporate downsizing by reducing human resource expense is a clinical way of saying a company is reducing its workforce in order to contain costs, with the results that those left still in the corporation are expected in increase their overall productivity, filling the vacuum left by their co-workers removal. It is hoped by companies that containing the human resource costs while pushing productivity rises in the remaining workforce will lead to either increased profits and thus happy shareholders or in more drastic circumstances, staunch the flow of red ink that occurs during severe economic times or competitive pressures."
Abstract This study aims to give the reader an overview of the existing conditions in Greek banks and the future of the Greek banking industry. Parameters will be analyzed using PEST (political, economical, social, technology) and SWOT (Strength, weakness, opportunities, threats) analyses. Knowing and understanding these variables in their individual roles and their impact on other variables can help Greek bank executives make better decisions and run the banking industry more effectively.
Outline
P.E.S.T Analysis of the Greek Banking Industry
The Greek Banking Sector and Analysis of the Bank of Greece
Quality Analysis National Bank of Greece
Internal Variables Affecting National Bank of Greece (NBG)
S.W.O.T. Analysis of NBG
From the Paper "The past and current structures of the banks are also a determinant of the effect of the type of change that these any bank could handle. The core values?a passion for winning, trust and teamwork, inclusive meritocracy and doing the right thing for customers, associates, communities and shareholders had to be made clear to all involved in the mergers. Efficient and effective two-way communication is necessary. It is the key element in any organizational change. The importance and need for good communication is important if a merger has to succeed."
Abstract This paper explains how a free market system helps promote and sustain a democracy. The paper describes how the market system of supply and demand functions as an engine for innovation and social progress and how the right to private property helps economic prosperity. The paper also looks at government involvement within a free market and democratic system and the important role that entrepreneurs play in that system.
From the Paper "In a democratic system, such as that currently found in the United States and many European countries, a free market economy is crucial to overall growth and productivity, for within a free market, economic interests "tend to band together to form labor unions, associations, and consumer organizations which enhance their own bargaining power while taking into consideration the profits and power of the giant corporations" (Schatter, 45), not to mention the ruling democratic government which often helps to foster and maintain the economies of any industrialized society. In such a free market system, citizens are allowed to keep and hold private property, bear the responsibility of ownership such as in a small business, strive for profit, and promote fair and equal competition. In addition, a free market economy within a democratic system promotes societal progress through national and international cooperation that advances the common interests by economic and political means."
Abstract This paper discusses the recruiting and retaining of recent college graduates. The unique benefits of recent college graduates are explored, as well as the best ways to recruit this specific demographic of candidates. In addition, ways to retain these valuable employees once they have been brought on board are also discussed.
From the Paper "By fully understanding what recent college graduates value, learning the best methods of recruiting these distinctive candidates, and developing best-practices to retain these new employees for the long-term, an organization can implement strategies to enhance their competitive edge in an increasingly competitive marketplace. This competitive edge can mean the difference between being an industry leader or one who watches as competitors eagerly eat away at their hard earned market share."
Tags: business, competetive, employee, skilled, academia, investment, asset, learn, new
Abstract This paper presents a competitive analysis that thoroughly evaluates Target as a competitor of Wal-Mart. The paper focuses specifically on the areas of depth of assortment, brand variety and appeal, dispersion of brands across a pricing spectrum, consistency of inventory, pricing (both execution and optimization), and overall rating of performance. The paper concludes with key recommendations for Wal-Mart at a tactical level from a product, pricing, and distribution standpoint. Graphs, tables, and charts are included with the paper.
Outline:
Current Situation
Company Overview
Competitor Analysis
Performance of the Company & Organization
Assessment of Current Marketing Operations
Strategic Marketing Issues
Tactical Marketing Issues
From the Paper "Due to the breadth of businesses that Wal-mart is in, including the many different retail and service lines, the company has an abundance of competitors. The majorities are smaller, regionally focused, and as a result there is a high level of fragmentation throughout their base of competitors. Contrary to this fragmentation however is the emergence of Target in the U.S., Canada and Mexico as the most dominant competitor in the mass merchandising arena. The intent of this competitive analysis is to thoroughly evaluate Target as a competitor of Wal-Mart, specifically in the areas of depth of assortment, brand variety and appeal, dispersion of brands across a pricing spectrum, consistency of inventory, pricing (both execution and optimization), and overall rating of performance. Figure 1, Key Attribute Summary, highlights the ratings given to each company, across the years 2005 and 2006 by investment and equity analysts. "
The paper is a review of the article "Thinking about Competitive Balance" by Allen R. Sanderson and John J. Siegfried from the Journal of Sports Economics. 2003.
Abstract The article "Thinking about Competitive Balance" by Allen R. Sanderson and John J. Siegfried compares different concepts of competitiveness, reviews research on competitive balance and the relationship between payrolls and performance, examines the rules and regulations that contribute to playing performances, and evaluates the possible effect of proposals such as payroll and salary caps, luxury taxes, and increased revenue sharing on competitive balance. The author of this paper examines and critiques the original article and presents his own conclusions.
From the Paper "The authors note that the league itself also creates some intentional imbalances to level the playing field and the fact that winning conditions create more winning conditions (i.e. the most talented players want to gravitate to the most popular, 'winning-est' teams), These include "reverse-order draft systems, various attempts to constrain players' salaries, revenue sharing" (Sanderson & Siegfried, 2003, p. 268). Some sports leagues have luxury taxes on top heavy teams as well (Sanderson & Siegfried, 2003, p. 268-269). "Lengthening a series reduces the probability that the weaker opponent will win; increasing the number of playoff rounds and the percentage of teams eligible for a championship reduces the chances that the best team will capture the championship" (Sanderson & Siegfried, 2003, p. 272). However, the authors do not include a counterbalance to such arguments--longer seasons also can result in viewer attrition of interest, the competition from other sports beginning while the season sprawls on, and the anger of fans if they feel that their team has been unfairly treated by new rules."
