Abstract
The paper discusses the use and understanding of good communication skills as an essential aspect of the contemporary business and social environment today. The paper states that in order to test and explore the process and learning of communication skills, the subject of conducting interviews was undertaken. The experiential data and research of this subject was obtained from class seminars and test interviews. The paper notes that these were used to examine the various skills used in interviews and to develop a list of best practices in undertaking and conducting interviews. The paper states that the literature on this subject was also consulted in order to determine the best practices and necessary communication skills that are considered necessary for conducting good interviews.

Outline:
Introduction and Overview
Identification of Specific Skills and their Utilization
Interview Choice
Skills and Techniques
Practical Considerations
The Iimportance of Questions and Language
Non-verbal Indicators
Cross Cultural Aspects
Evaluation of Performance
Findings and Recommendations
Summary and Conclusion

From the Paper
"The various best practices were sourced from the literature available on this topic. There are various interview types that were considered for this paper. The first is the informal or conversational interview. The analysis of the skills needed for this type of interview were found to be significant and were included in the assessment of the communication skills necessary in a good interview. In this type of interview the questions are allowed to be as open-ended as possible, and result in a more flexible and less formal interview atmosphere".

Tags:open, ended, conversational, type, respondents, active, listening

Abstract
This paper discusses the financial risks that companies assume by conducting business internationally. Included in the discussion is a look at the importance of foreign exchange rate risk and how the risk can be mitigated.

From the Paper
"At one time, international business was the exclusive realm of large companies that could afford the resources necessary to support an international infrastructure. Today, advances in technology and telecommunications have made it possible for even small companies to have customers and vendors around the world. However, this globalization has increased the foreign exchange risk that companies must take on when they participate in the international economy. This research considers the financial risk of conducting business on an international basis with a particular..."

Tags:foreign exchange, foreign exchange risk, forex, transaction risk, translation risk, derivatives

Abstract
This paper relates that China presents formidable difficulties for a foreign business people due to its vastly different culture, business ethics, and hybrid economic system, which still suffers from a hangover of the command economy of a socialist China. The author points out that, although Chinese people have a natural flair for free-market business, as is reflected in the disproportionate number of successful Chinese businesses in South East Asian countries, the extended period of controlled economy in China under Maoist Communism has dulled this spirit and severely affected the work ethics of the working people. The paper explains that, soon, private property ownership in China is certain to become constitutionally protected, which will be a landmark reform because all property has been owned by the government since the Communist revolution.

Table of Contents
Business Culture
Old habits die hard
"Guanxi" (relationship)
Bribe and Graft
Cultural Etiquette
Some Important Politico-Economic Issues

From the Paper
"Giving gifts is not necessary but acceptable. Care should be taken not to make very large or expensive gifts as they may be considered as bribes. Clocks are inappropriate as gifts for symbolic reasons. Another feature of Chinese culture is that everything is not taken at its face value. For instance, the Chinese may decline a gift more than once (up to three times) before accepting it, as easy acceptance is considered to be a sign of greed; hence it is advisable to continue to insist upon giving the gift and express a lot of pleasure once the gift is accepted. Wrap gifts in red colored paper (red is considered a lucky color) or pink and yellow (happy, prosperous colors) and use both hands while offering or receiving a gift. Avoid wrapping in white as it is the color of the funeral."

Tags:ethics, bribe, reform, gift, socialist

Abstract
Japan is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the global business environment. It is imperative to gain an understanding of this nation's unique and intricate culture in order to facilitate success business ventures with its people. This paper first discusses an overview of the Japanese culture, including basic facts, history, government, religion and economy. An in-depth analysis is then performed on Japanese business practices, including Japanese values, meeting etiquette and protocol and women in the business world. Lastly, implications for domestic and international managers within Japan are examined. Also included are numerous interviews with businesspeople who have or are working in Japan to contrast their perspectives with those of North Americans.

Table of Contents:

Basic Facts
A Brief History
Japanese Government
Religion
The Japanese Economy
Japanese Business Practices
- Values in Practice
- Meeting Etiquette and Protocol
- Women in the Business World
Management Implications

Appendices:

Appendix I
Interview Results
Appendix II
Japan's Placement on
Indices in the Text
Appendix III
Top 15 Important Lessons Every Business Person Must Know Before
Doing Business WITH or IN Japan!
Appendix IV
How Culture Affects Management Approaches: Cultural Dimensions
Appendix V
A "Must-Know" List of List of Japanese Culture and Customs
Addendum
Article Summary: Current Intercultural Issues and Challenges

From the Paper
"The Japanese have a deep-rooted culture and value system that helps to dictate their daily business dealings. Primary to these values is the concept of trust and of establishing long lasting relationships. The Japanese will go to great lengths to get to know their business counterparts in order to feel at ease with them. Thus, when Western managers first meet their Japanese counterparts, they should be ready to participate in discussions that cover topics such as personal hobbies and family life. Moreover, after creating a bond of trust between the two parties, it is expected that the relationship will last for some time as the Japanese value long lasting relationships that are of mutual benefit. This concept is based on the Japanese heritage of being an isolated nation where people stayed in one place for a long time and thus formed long lasting relationships."

Tags:akihitu, emperor, hokkaido, honshu, kyushu, shikoku, yen

Abstract
Every country has its own particular way of doing things and its own social and cultural etiquette, and Mexico is no exception. This paper examines certain aspects of the Mexican business world. For example, in Mexico, relationships are extremely important. Therefore, a successful businessperson must understand the importance of forging a warm working relationship. Little things, such as shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries, can make a huge difference when conducting business in this culture. In addition, foreigners must understand that the government has a large influence in private business, as a permit is required for most business transactions. Due to this control, many business practices in Mexico are corrupt. Many people who attempt to do business in Mexico find themselves vulnerable to shady deals if they do not take the time to learn about proper business etiquette and standards beforehand. This paper focuses on Mexico's culture, business etiquette, manners, habits, customs, forms, norms, and religion, in an attempt to provide a clear and concise report on doing business in Mexico.

From the Paper
"When making an appointment to do business in Mexico, one may often need to schedule extra time, as Mexicans often schedule business appointments during siesta time (between 2 and 5 pm), when they will be off-duty (Abagados, 2001). In addition, they tend to schedule several appointments simultaneously, as they expect some cancellations. If everyone shows up, there will be a delay. In Mexico, it is a sign of power to make others wait."

Tags:international, trade

Abstract
This paper expounds upon the basic concepts, principles and practices of marketing and systematically outlines how to conduct marketing research. It points out that marketing research, as distinct from mere data and information, is, in addition, the systematic collection and analysis-based interpretation of all data focused on a specific marketing issue. The paper defines marketing research as the systematic, objective, and unbiased collection, analysis and interpretation of recorded data obtained from a large sample in order to provide support to decisions on a specific marketing issue. It discusses important related issues such as the analysis of customer behavior and culture. The paper concludes that the marketing strategies implemented by the marketing staff are constrained by the company's corporate strategies and are also strongly influenced by the market opportunities the company has selected to pursue.

Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
Introduction
Research Process
Report
Summary

From the Paper
"Marketing decisions are usually time-bound and if research has to play a role in influencing these decisions, the results must be available in time for decisions to be based on Research. The financial cost of research is linked to the time available for research. Delayed research often results in opportunity loss because of delayed decision-making or through wrong decisions. Another factor that normally affects the decision about the scope and especially the nature of research is the availability of monetary and human resources. An important issue is the availability of analysts with adequate knowledge of suitable research techniques. Sophisticated research methodologies also require a higher degree of expertise on the part of the researcher. Understanding and interpreting qualitative research data can only be done well by a trained researcher, preferably with a background in sociology and psychology. For example, the science of semiotics can contribute a great deal to a sophisticated understanding of how consumers interpret and relate to colors, symbols, etc and relate to brand."

Tags:market, strategy, analysis

Abstract
This paper provides a brief history of State Gas & Electric (SGE), which is today, the state's largest producer of energy. It discusses the code of professional conduct imposed on SGE employee which states that employees must act in the best interest of SGE at all times and avoid using their position with the company for personal gain or the gain of their family, friends, or people they know. It attempts to cover the majority of conduct issues that would face an employee during their employment at SGE and shows how codes like this cannot always anticipate every situation that may arise that might require legal or ethical consideration.

Outline
History of the Company
Conflicts of Interest
Confidentiality and Proprietary Information
Acceptance of Gifts
Appropriate Behavior
Outside Activities
Other Employment
Violation Procedures
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Employees must follow corporate practices that are designed to protect confidential information. Among the practices that should be followed are keeping that information secure in the workplace, using the information only to do their job and not for personal benefit, sharing the information within SGE only when necessary for others to do their job, and not divulge the confidential information to those not employed by SGE. If confidential information must be shared with persons outside of SGE, a written confidentiality agreement must be used and the employee should consult the legal department prior to sharing of the information for details."

Tags:corporate, conduct, confidentiality

Abstract
This paper addresses the following issues: Analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of Walmart's Corporate code of conduct; identifies the ethical risks to which the company is subject to and gives recommendations to strengthening and/or clarifying the current company's code to help management strategy to minimize those risks.

From the Paper
"Wal-Mart recently became the largest company in the world. Wal-Mart employs more than one million Americans and has sales worldwide of approximately ..."

Tags:Wal mart, code of conduct, suppliers, offshore, comparative advantage, business ethics, consumerism

Abstract
This paper studies conduct disorders. The research-based paper first explains the disorder, its characteristics and symptoms. Next the paper discusses the process of making a diagnosis. The paper concludes with a detailed discussion of role of impulse control and affect regulation.

From the Paper
"This theoretical paper presents theories and research studies related to the topics of impulse control, affect regulation and conduct disorder. The discussion includes the presentation of ..."

Tags:impulse, control, conduct, disorder

Abstract
This paper presents a general overview and discussion of the psychological disorders known as Conduct Disorder and Antisocial Disorder. The paper presents definitions of both disorders and discusses several aspects associated with these disorders including diagnosis, prevalence, general etiology, risk factors, genetic and biological causes, symptoms of each disorder and need for interventions.

From the Paper
"This research paper presents conduct disorder and antisocial disorder. Related to conduct disorder the following are discussed: definition, diagnosis, prevalence, general etiology and risk factors, genetic and biological causes and risk factors, disorder onset as a risk factor, familial and racial risk factors, childhood risk behaviors, developmental progression, course and consequences and assessment, treatment and forensic issues. Related to antisocial disorder the following are discussed: definition, diagnosis, prevalence, general etiology and risk factors, genetic and biological causes and risk factors..."

Tags:Conduct, Disorder, and, Antisocial, Disorder