Abstract
The paper analyzes the elements that make a country competitive in the global arena and looks at an article by Wesson. The paper examines different aspects in Canada that have given it a competitive edge over other countries and discusses the elements that have caused Canada to lose its competitiveness or rather to reduce its competetiveness in the global arena.

From the Paper
"The objective of this document analyzes the elements that make a country competitive in the global arena. This document takes a close look at the article by Wesson and looks at different aspects in Canada that have given it a competitive edge over other countries. Further the document also looks at elements that have caused Canada to lose its competitiveness or rather to reduce its competetiveness in the global arena. The objective of this document is to analyze the article written by Wesson..."

Tags:canada, global, competitiveness

Abstract
This paper analyzes international trade and competitiveness from the perspective of globalism, emphasizing their strengths and responding to arguments against them. It includes a general discussion of globalism and the global economy.

From the Paper
"International trade can be viewed from a number of perspectives but globalization is arguably the most compelling. When globalization became a reality, all of the old international trade paradigms from centuries past ..."

Tags:international trade, globalism, globalization, competitiveness

Abstract
This paper is on global competitiveness in Canada. Competitiveness is however, is no longer confined to the domestic arena alone, but has taken on a more international flavor. The notion of competitiveness has been closely linked to that of economic growth, threaded together by such factors as savings, investment, cost of capital, and technology-based learning.

Abstract
The paper analyzes Costco according to Michael Porter's Five Forces Model that evaluates competitiveness based on five dimensions - supplier power, buyer power, threat of new entrants, threat of substitutes, and degree of rivalry. The paper shows how there is low buyer power, low supplier power, high threat of substitutes, high threat of new entrants and moderate-high degree of rivalry. The paper reaches the conclusion that while the business is profitable, it is in a state of constant, intense competition. The paper recommends that firms such as Costco must develop a competitive culture, and constantly benchmark against themselves in order to stay ahead of the myriad of different competitors.

From the Paper
"While the buyers do have some flexibility with the stores from which they choose to shop, they are also brand loyal, especially with Costco. In broadening its product line into items such as furniture and appliances, Costco has eliminated the possibility of some substitutes but has thereby initiated competition with more stores. Thus, in an industry where buyers have little power, Costco has taken steps to reduce buyer power further. The only major hammer buyers have is the ability to switch to other competitors. This is a fairly significant source of power. Thus, buyer power is low-medium."

Tags:supplier, buyer, entrants, substitutes, rivalry

Abstract
The paper reviews the article "Exploring the Nature of the Relationship between CSR and Competitiveness" by Villanova, Lozano and Arenas, and provides a synopsis of the content and a specification of the thesis' main point. Three supporting opinions/reasons for this thesis are outlined, as well as three opposing opinions/reasons. Finally, a summary and opinion of the thesis is presented.

Outline:
Introduction
Article Synopsis
Specification of Thesis's Main Point
Three Supporting Opinions/Reasons
Three Opposing Opinions/Reasons
Summary

From the Paper
"Villanova, Lozano and Arenas (2009) explore the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and organizational competitiveness. In the definition of CSR, the authors surmise that the concept centers on the role organizations should play in society. The five dimensions of CSR include: vision (the governance, ethical codes and practices a company adopts to promote CSR), community relations (the collaborations and partnerships to facilitate community action), workplace (the labor practices an organization employs), accountability (corporate transparency in its operations), and marketplace (CSR practices undertaken by the organization in relation to their core business activities). Although promoters of CSR practices encourage organizations to implement these facets into their organizational strategies, the question arises whether or not CSR benefits competitiveness."

Tags:accountability, community, relations, vision, reputation

Abstract
This paper examines how Google employs and identifies with strong competitive strategies in its product offerings, business model, marketing strategies, and operations. The paper explores the competition factor in the Information Technology (IT) industry.

From the Paper
"The purpose of this research is to examine the issue of competitiveness as a strategy of market strength and business development. The plan of the research will be to set forth the basis on which competition awareness and strategy are appropriately considered an enterprise focus and then to discuss competition with reference to Google, an Internet search-engine company that has a record of competitive success. The competition factor in the information-technology (IT) industry, in particular Internet-based companies, has a relatively brief history. From the standpoint of industry trends, the..."

Tags:competition strategy, Google, IT, market share, positioning

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that the regulatory body and competition commission of British airports carried out a review on the competitiveness of BAA and found it lacking. To improve on this, it is suggested that BAA had to come up with a framework and will make it competitive both locally and internationally. The writer concludes that BAA is headed in the right direction because the proposed sale of the three airports Gatwick, Stanstead and Edinburgh will improve the overall performance of the county's airports and also lead to increased returns.

Outline:
Introduction
Background
The Present Competitive Structure of British Airports
Types of markets

From the Paper
"Most business sectors in the UK have experienced a number of changes since the Second World War. The changes have been more drastic during the last three decades, and as a result, the British Airports Authority has witnessed positive developments. BAA, has undergone a transformation that has seen it change its operations, financial and capital structure, organizations design, management and employee roles and authority as well as its expansion programmes. Some of the changes have been prompted by recommendations from the regulatory authorities while others from scholars and research from organizations such as the Competition Commissions. More particularly, the Competition Commission has made are geared its findings towards making the BAA to be more competitive."

Tags:BAA, Competitive, Advantage, Sell, of, Airport, Airports, Gatwick

Abstract
In order for any organization to remain financially viable today and into the future, it is critical they view processes not as siloed activities but as strategic that can be coordinated and synchronized to attain their objectives (Chaturvedi, 2005). The role of IT is to enable greater interprocess coordination and synchronization through the use of BPM and BPR approaches and methodologies, in addition to nurturing knowledge networks (Dyer, Nobeoka, 2000). It has been proven however that the most effective knowledge networks are those that are based on the strategic objective of better serving customers. This paper contains tables.

Table of Contents
Problem Statement
Introduction
Process Integration and Improvement Is The New Competitive Advantage
Using Business Process Management for Linking IT to Business Strategies
Measuring Interprocess Integration and Management Linkages in Supply Chains
Table 1: Measures of Supply Chain Performance
The Impact of Interprocess Integration on Financial Performance
Table 2: Financial Performance Outcomes of Interprocess Performance
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Like the Toyota Production System, DDSNs are capable of becoming learning ecosystems (Dyer, Nobeoka, 2000) due to the intensive level of interprocess and system integration that is prevalent in these approaches to managing collaboration often on a global scope. The use of DDSN as a strategy for ensuring customer-centric processes gain the highest priority and also attain the highest levels of performance over time are critical. In fact the combining of the TPS concept for supply chain integration to the process level with the DDSN concept for demand management and customer-facing processes could be used for defining entire value chains in an organization."

Tags:business, information-technology, management, procedure, method

Abstract
This paper discusses an article on the surprising competitiveness of firms in duopolies. The paper summarizes the article and its significance, and then goes on to draw an analogy between the competition of firms and the competition of Great Powers in a system of rival states.

From the Paper
"The online article "Why are Duopolies so Competitive" by Geoffrey Gannon discusses precisely the topic encapsulated by its title, the surprising competitiveness of duopolies. Microeconomic theory provides a robust conceptual model of pricing under perfect competition and an equally robust model of monopoly pricing, one that is far more favorable to the firm and far less favorable to consumers. Theory, however, is much less robust when it comes to oligopoly or duopoly. This is essentially because firms are competing against a handful of specific competitors in the case..."

Tags:firms, duopoly, competitiveness, competition, Great powers, duopoly, oligopoly

Abstract
This paper analyzes Michael E. Porter's book "On Competition", a collection of his works that details the international economy. Porter's work has defined our fundamental understanding of competition and competitive strategy. His book is organized around three primary categories: Competition and Strategy: Core Concepts, The Competitiveness of Location, and Competitive Solutions to Societal Problems.The first section of the essay collection takes on competitive strategy, evaluating strategies and weaknesses for business, while the second addresses the role of location in competition experienced by government entities. Porter also analyzes a number of sectors of the economy using his criterion of competition from what makes some global companies work to the relationship between business success and environmental regulation.

From the Paper
"It isn't only that there isn't any free lunch. But while you're shelling out hard-earned bucks for your repast someone else is pushing their way ahead of you, probably egged on by people you thought were your friends. At least that's Michael E. Porter's view of the business world as outlined in On Competition, a collection of his works that examines the Hobbesian nature of the international economy. The credentials that Porter brings to this project are impressive: a Harvard Business School professor, Porter is one of the most respected and innovative economists of his time. The author of 15 books, he advises both elected officials and business leaders in all parts of the world."

Tags:Michael, Porter, Competition, business