Abstract
This paper summarizes the article by Prahalad and Hamel, "The Core Competence of the Corporation."

From the Paper
"In their article, "The Core Competence of the Corporation", C.K. Prahalad and Gary Hamel examine the case of two telecommunications companies, GTE and NEC, that started with similar business portfolios but achieved widely divergent results. While GTE's international position eroded, that of NEC improved, making it a world leader in its industry. The difference between the two companies, the authors assert, is that NEC conceived of itself in terms of core competencies and GTE did not."

Tags:core competence, corporation, business, competency, competencies, article summary

Abstract
This paper identifies four critical capabilities computer firms must perform at a minimal level of efficiency and efficacy. The paper examines why these capabilities are important and what impact the lack of ability to perform each function would have on an individual computer firm's solvency and ability to compete in the industry. The paper explores four firms and analyzes each firm's capability to implement and utilize the capabilities identified, listed in tabular format.

Outline:
Introduction
Analysis of Core Competencies
Computer Firm Competencies
Synopsis

From the Paper
"A core competency or capability may be defined as one that is critical to a firm's function or ability to service its internal and external customers. The table below outlines four critical competencies or capabilities computer firms must have to service the public efficiently. For purposes of this paper a computer firm is defined as one that provides technological, IT or computer related services and products to the public."

Tags:technology, strategies, competition, industry

Abstract
This paper responds to a series of four questions related to business management concerns. Specifically, it discusses core competencies, business ethics, a case study and the entrepreneurial strategy mix. The paper illustrates core competencies through a discussion of the U.S. automotive industry while the business ethics question revolves around several actions taken recently by firms such as Yahoo! and Google in their global operations.

From the Paper
"General Motors (GM), Ford, and Chrysler are the traditional "big three" of the automotive industry in North America while GM is, for the time being, the largest automotive manufacturer in the world (GM's, 2005). While these three competitors have few core competencies in common, one would be that they have mastered the concept of producing a product for every conceivable market. This competency, summarized as the capability to produce a comprehensive product line, was really started by GM in the first part of last century with its car for every purpose and pocket book approach as propounded by its then Chairman Alfred P. Sloan (GM's, 2005). This mindset and strategic approach has permeated the entire automotive industry ever since."

Tags:competencies, strategies, export

Abstract
This paper discusses how true nursing leadership evolves when a person has demonstrated, beyond any shadow of a doubt, a pure passion for the ultimate exercise of thorough competence and professionalism in medicine and that indeed can " and must " create of climate of core ethical values for others to thrive in and follow as an example of good work principles. It analyzes those qualities and competencies a nursing leader must demonstrate, day in and day out, in order to create an ethical workplace environment and an ongoing process of efficiency based on principled thinking and accurate data. It also looks at the importance of a climate where individual virtues are extolled and rewarded among staff and where moral conflicts are mediated in a calm, dispassionate format, and where enthusiasm, total commitment to the patient, and intelligent decision making, dominate the environment.

Outline
Introduction
In Search of Ethical Values
Virtue and "Goods Internal to a Practice" as Pivotal Ingredients in Ethics
Florence Nightingale's Style of Powerful Leadership
Need for Stronger Nursing Leadership in Australia
Nursing Leadership at the Highest Level of Nursing
The Ethics of Individuals at the Grassroots Level of the Nursing Field
Addressing Negative Forces Prior to Inspiring Moral Reasoning
Conclusion: Core Ethical Values Found in the Nursing Code of Ethics

From the Paper
"By breaking down local leadership into two prevalent types " motivational and inspirational leadership " Dot Baker, writing in Nursing News, provides some cogent guidelines and guide posts for what to do, and what not to do, for future and present nursing leaders. In seeking to motivate their constituents to do the proper thing, some leaders may use extrinsic rewards like money, celebrations, taking someone to lunch as a reward, or even fear and punishment strategies, to elicit desired behaviors. But is that the best way to truly motivate staff? Baker believes that "manipulate" becomes the accurate word for this particular form of "motivation." "

Tags:patient, staff, moral, conflicts, medicine, competence, florence, nightingale

Abstract
The paper explains that The World Trade Organization (WTO) has forecast that Thailand can expect to receive 36 million tourists in the year 2020. The paper discusses how the tourism industry will be quite challenged by this projection. The paper reviews relevant literature that shows how the ability to interact with cultures other that one's own is critical for those employed in this industry. Literature also shows how core competencies must consist of skills that are transferable to their work in the tourism industry.

Outline:
Aim of Research
Research Objectives
Research Questions
Key Terms and Definitions
Introduction
Review of Literature
Tourism Education and Training
Core Competencies
Curriculum Model
Front-line Workers
Proposed Conceptual Framework
Research Methodology

From the Paper
"In 1998 Thailand recorded visitor arrivals totalling 7.76 million which was an increase of 7.53 percent from 1997 and arrivals increased 11.14 percent over 1998 totals in 1999. Major realignment has taken place in Thailand's marketing plans where advertising budgets were cut and promotional offices abroad have been closed. New markets have been tapped as well as new forms of distribution which had as its' focus direct contact between the buyers and sellers in the tourism market. Stated is "...an increasing trend toward partnerships and pooling of resources as a means of maximizing the promotional dollar by integrating all the stakeholders from transportation and commerce in health and retail..." (Asia & The Pacific, 1999)"

Tags:core, competencies, culture, transferable

Abstract
This paper looks at the strengths of the large corporation, UPS, and how they can be utilized to expand market share internationally. The writer uses analysis to describe two different alternatives that UPS can incorporate to ensure continued success.

Table of Contents:
Core Competencies
First Alternative
Second Alternative
Recommendation

From the Paper
"United Parcel Service has made dramatic enhancements to their technological operations over the past ten years. These advances have paid large dividends in the U.S. market and, in conjunction with the capital raised by the company's initial public offering in 1996, have enabled the company to significantly expand operations internationally. Despite great strides in electronic access globally (i.e. web, wireless technology, UPS OnLinea Advantage, & UPS OnLinea Worldlink), these services appear to be underutilized. Recently, UPS has been finding growth through geographic expansion. With delivery capabilities already in excess of 200 countries, this method will inevitably fail to offer additional growth. Therefore, the problem UPS is facing is the maturing of their previous growth model and a necessity to redefine or augment corporate strategy."

Tags:comparative, competency, competitive, growth, strategy

Abstract
The paper looks at Starbucks' tangible resources that include its borrowing capacity, planning system, physical resources and intellectual property resources as well as its intangible resources that include the unique "Starbucks experience", leadership talent, iconic brand and logo and reputation. The paper examines Starbucks' capabilities and its need for both competencies in innovation and to improve its capabilities with respect to international logistics. Finally, the paper identifies the core competencies for Starbucks.

Outline:
Tangible Resources
Intangible Resources
Capabilities
Core Competencies

From the Paper
"A significant amount of Starbucks' success can be attributed to the "Starbucks Experience". The company supports its in-store customer experience through a strong human resources program. The company offers benefits superior to those its major competitors in a bid to attract better front-line talent (Minnick, 2007). Additionally, Starbucks cultivates a strong corporate culture, in particular at the front-line level. This culture is incorporated into the training, but there are also strong controls placed on it. The company utilizes mystery shoppers in order to ensure that employees at the retail level are facilitating a consistent experience (Starbucksunion.com, 2006).
"At the executive level, Starbucks' success and size has allowed them to attract and retain top talent. They have on their board senior executives from top companies such as Pepsi, JC Penney and Colgate-Palmolive. Starbucks has maintained the leadership of Howard Schultz off and on for much of the firm's history. Schultz returned to the helm at the beginning of 2008 to help guide the firm out of its recent troubles (MSNBC, 2008).
"The return of Schultz marked a shift for the company. They had built their strength primarily with innovation in product development and expertise in real estate. The company's struggles have been attributed in part due to poor choices with respect to real estate. Thus, the return of the former CEO restores the company's former knowledge level of both real estate and coffee drinks. Previous leadership had tried to extend the brand too far, and moved away from the firm's core knowledge base (Linn, 2008)."

Tags:innovation, international, logistics, leadership, brand, reputation

Abstract
This paper explains that advanced practice nurse are registered nurses including nurse practitioners, nurse-midwifes, nurse anesthetists and clinical nurse specialists, who hold authorization from a board to practice, based on the completion of a recognized advanced educational program. The author points out that core competency of advanced practice nurses include the application and adaptation of advanced skills in unstable and complex environments, the ability to apply advanced clinical reasoning including the use of advanced complete assessment, the acceptance of referrals and consultation from other health care professionals and team work with other health care providers. The paper relates that an advanced practice nurse is supposed to diagnose a patient and recognize the underlying problem and then provide adequate treatment, which includes the prescription of medicines as well as administering anesthetics.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Definition
Core Competencies
Scope of Practice

From the Paper
"Further, their nature of practice further includes research work and the utilization of research within the scope of their practice. They are allowed to admit patients to hospitals and the authority to refer patients to other healthcare professionals like licensed physicians and dentists. Additionally an advanced practice nurse also gives consulting services to other healthcare providers. They have professional autonomy and independent practice which also includes management. Moreover they are to manage the physical and mental illness status of the patient with regard to nursing care."

Tags:settings, management, cultural, prescription, mental

Abstract
This paper discusses operation management in the healthcare sector, spcifically focusing on management within an ophthalmology clinic. The paper discusses the core competencies that the clinic would require in order to offer it net comparative advantages over its competitors. The paper also discusses the role of technology within the clinic and how it affects an ophthalmology clinic.

Table of Contents:
Ophthalmology Clinic

From the Paper
"All in all, the rapid dynamics characterizing the IT industry make it difficult for the ophthalmologic clinic to maintain its core competency. Then, this means that the success of the medical facility is directly influenced by certain phases in the industry and is as such extremely sensitive to modifications. Its ultimate success depends on the capabilities of the managerial team to successfully administrate the financial and non-financial resources, to analyze the features of the micro and macro environments, to seize the external opportunities and maximize the internal strengths, while also minimizing the negative impact of internal weaknesses and external threats."

Tags:leadership, department, CEO

Abstract
Discusses the concept that leadership is not an innate trait, but a skill that can be taught. Examines roles that intelligence and emotional intelligence play in shaping leaders and addresses leadership as transactional or transformational.

From the Paper
"As the corporation grew and evolved over the twentieth century, so did the relationships that managers had with employees. Once strictly hierarchical, these relationships are changing as managers become coaches and mentors and as employees ..."