Abstract
This paper discusses some of the strategies that banks employ for customer retention and cross selling, and then takes a look at the expectations for the future in these areas.

From the Paper
"Traditionally, banks got and obtained their customers through a combination of advertising, word of mouth, acceptable rates on saving and checking accounts, and sheer luck of geography. It was typical for a customer to choose a bank based on having a branch close to his or her home or otherwise easily accessible on the drive to work. Most customers stayed loyal to their banks, kept in the fold by a ceramic piggy bank or toaster when they opened a new account or took out a home loan; and they typically did all their banking with a banker their family may have known for years. Tellers were expected to be friendly, bank officers were not."

Tags:competition, customer, loyalty, business, economy, threat, advertising

Abstract
This paper discusses and explains the key causal and motivational factors, at a macro and micro-level alike, that help fuel the main economic and psychological motivations of Seth Davis, the main character in "Boiler Room", to break the law.

From the Paper
"However, (at the macro level) Seth actually considers himself quite successful in his illegal casino endeavor. After all, at the macro level money is his main (actually his only) motivation. Still, as he later admits to himself when he is alone again, with his girlfriend, it hurts him deeply that his father disapproves so strongly of all he has done in life. Seth's macro-level and micro-level motivations are at war; on one hand, at the micro level, he yearns for his father to be proud of him. But on the other, at the macro level, Seth does not want to work hard for a living, or to wait for the spoils of life until he has really earned them, which his father has done. Seth's macro-level motivation, for quick, easy money, even if dishonestly obtained, eventually wins out over his desire to make his father proud."

Tags:selling, bogus, stocks, shell, company, huge, commissions, lucrative, money-making, opportunity

Abstract
This document looks at a typical sales pitch made by employees of Best Buy and Circuit City when trying to cross-sell extended warranties on electrical items that are sold in their outlets across North America.

From the Paper
"Further, the case study also looks at factual data related to the profits made by these entities through their extended warranty programs and what the present and future outcomes look like for the organization in this area. Best Buy ..."

Tags:best, buy, warranty

Abstract
This paper explains that firms like the holding company Berkshire Hathaway often seek to acquire other companies rather than build a separate business from the ground up. The author points out that mergers and acquisitions are concerned primarily with long-term growth because the process of acquiring another firm is often capital intensive. The paper relates that other reasons for acquisitions are a desire for synergistic effects, increased revenue or market share, cross selling, economies of scale and tax benefits. The paper relates that, by acquiring significant portions of companies from varying industries, the holding company Berkshire Hathaway has become one of the largest firms in the country, the most expensive security on the New York Stock Exchange and one of the largest conglomerates in the history of business.

Table of Contents:
Acquisitions
Financial Strategy
Corporate Governance and Ethical Issues
Financial Situation Prior to Acquisition
Financial Situation after Acquisition
Successful or Not
Conclusion

From the Paper
"When one firm is acquired by another, there are some predictable short-term effects on the acquiring firm's stock price. Though not always true, typically the acquiring firm's stock price will fall; whereas the target company's stock price will rise. An explanation for the acquirer's drop in stock price is the fact that a premium is usually paid for the target firm's stock. Without a premium above the market rate, there is little incentive for shareholders to part with their holdings. The same reason applies to why the stock price of the target firm increases--a premium is being offered."

Tags:growth, stock, control, planning, subsidiaries

Abstract
This paper explains that, although Maytag is one of America's "Most Admired Companies," the company has been weathering some rough times, largely due to a fiercely competitive, mature market, and is now undergoing major restructuring. The author points out that Maytag may be losing an opportunity to build an ongoing relationship with its existing and prospective customers because, instead of using an umbrella direct marketing campaign to communicate the benefits of all the Maytag-owned brands, each brand is conducting its own campaigns. The paper relates the benefits of umbrella direct marketing; it (1) helps establish the link between its brands, (2) leverages Maytag long standing equity for the reliability and dependability of its products, (3) supports, not contradicts, the individual brands' positioning in conventional media, (4) procures a higher share of the customer wallet or home by cross-selling its various product offerings, and (5) entices customers into wanting to purchase products that "make their lives easier" before existing appliances wear out.

From the Paper
"The Maytag Direct Marketing effort would naturally have to start with building and profiling a data base of its existing and prospective customers. While the latter could be done through buying ready data bases that match Maytag's customer profiles, a good starting point for the former may be Maytag Stores and other retail outlets. The Maytag Stores especially would be an ideal source since they act as an innovation showcase for the company; are independently owned and operated; and offer a "try before you buy" approach. The incentive for customers to opt-in for Maytag's mailings could be a monthly newsletter on "Making Life Easier at Home." Not only will such a newsletter be in line with Maytag's overall business strategy, it is likely to be of high interest to all home owners and makers since they are constantly on the look out for tips on how to create an efficient and pleasant home environment."

Tags:newsletter, restructuring, umbrella, data-base, relationship

Abstract
This paper explains that, because the main product line of the Automobile Association (AA) of the U.K. has reached the maturity phase of the product life-cycle; a new advertising strategy, 'Just AASK', incorporating AA's entire umbrella of business products and services, allows the company to communicate a single streamlined message that addresses both new and existing customer concerns and creates new opportunities for cross sales from the core business. The author points out that the AA has a database including every customer who has ever inquired or purchased a product or service from the company, which can be analyzed to develop potential new markets, target groups and new products and to evaluate models for the 'Just AASK' campaign. The paper relates that the key of the 'Just AASK' agenda is to establish a direct marketing communications program that will increase revenue by increasing sales from existing customers; the acquisition strategy of choice for new customers will be a combination of 'Buzz Marketing' and 'Word-of-Mouth' advertising.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Communication and Customer Service
4 P's Approach
Database Strategy
Direct Marketing Communication Program for Existing Customers
Motor Section
Travel Section
Financial Services
Acquisition Strategy for New Customers
Motor Section and Travel Section
Financial Services
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The majority of all business success revolves around attracting and retaining customers. "It is well recognized that a key issue in gaining brand awareness, trial, and subsequent loyalty is to reflect deep-seated values in advertising and augmented product offerings. When marketers address consumer values, target consumers sense that the product's purpose is to benefit their individual lives." The company will therefore seek to take advantage of its valuable customer databases by first enhancing this wealth of information and then creating new strategies for direct marketing communications with existing customers. The new marketing approach will also create viable means for acquiring new customers."

Tags:database, buzz, customer, cross-sell, message

Abstract
This paper examines the factors that effect liquidity, bid-ask spreads, in the "options" market. As investors try to develop a profitable stock option trading strategy, often they find that their actual trading capital is less than expected. This occurs because of bid-ask spreads. A trader can buy options at an ask price and sell it at a bid price, but the actual bid-ask spread can be 100% or more. The paper discusses various factors and the bid-ask process itself to provide a comprehensive understanding of the options market.

From the Paper
"In examining the bid-ask quotes offered by specialists (or dealers) who face indirect competition from other specialists who trade in related assets, some specialists may control more than one asset. In a simple factor model, the optimal specialist control structure depends on whether the assets trade as substitutes or complements. In some situations it is beneficial to have specialist power concentrated within industries, in other situations, across industries, and in yet other situations, not to be concentrated at all (Ackert & Church, 1998)."

Tags:stock, portfolio, market, index, static, model, dynamic, model, cross-market, model

Abstract
The role of sex appeal in advertising is undeniable. Most advertisements nearly cross the line of exploiting the models to advertise a product completely unrelated to the ad. The paper shows that it seems more and more advertisers are following the route of selling sex and hoping that the product somehow weaves its way into the mind of the viewer. The paper concludes that while society has a long way to go before the psychological and sociological impacts of women's portrayal in advertising is cleaned, it is good to see that initial attempts by companies like Nike are already underway. Sex may sell, and this fact may be irrefutable, but with broad-reaching affects reaching critical mass, a shift in the presentation of sex will hopefully change in coming advertisements. The paper shows that women's empowerment will do much to shift the sociological power and will undoubtedly frame a new social standing for female role-models.

From the Paper
"But sometimes the advertiser does not go so far as to destroy the societal role of women to further advance their product. A print ad by sketchers featuring singer Carrie Underwood shows her in what appears to be a shoe store as she gasps while five attractive 'shoe salesmen' crowd around her, clutching Sketchers brand shoes. There's a clear sociological shift of power depicted in this ad, but it does still play into stereotypes that society possesses. Rather than being a passive object of pleasure, the woman becomes actively pursued by the men in the ad. The power, then, falls to the woman who may then choose which of her pursuers - and, of course, which shoe - she will take. "

Tags:stereotype, jordache, sports, entertainment

Abstract
This paper discusses a legal case study that revolves around the Monsanto company (plaintiff) versus Mr. Percy Schmeiser (defendant), of Saskatchewan, Canada. The paper relates that Monsanto claims that Mr. Schmeiser knowingly planted Monsanto's patented canola seed by saving the cross-pollinated seed from the previous year and is seeking patent infringement damages, since he was not a licensee of the patent. On the other hand, Mr. Schmeiser claims that he did not plant or buy any seed from Monsanto, and that his canola seeds were naturally cross-pollinated by bees, wind, and passing trucks. The paper outlines the legal issues and arguments on both sides of the case and concludes that the main issue of the case is that Monsanto is becoming a monopoly. The paper argues that the farmers must take control of this situation immediately and demand sovereignty against Monsanto's control. The paper further argues that the farmers must formulate a class-action lawsuit against Monsanto, and stop buying seed or anything else Monsanto is selling. Governmental regulators then need to stay the course and find in favor of traditional farming.

Table of Contents:
Diagnosis
Focal Points For Action
Short Term Issues
Long Term Issues
Profitability Segment
2005 Data
United States Patent Law
Canadian Patent Law
Patent Rights
Alternatives
The Issue
Decisions and Recommendations

From the Paper
"Canada does not allow higher life forms to be patented, yet, the Schmeiser decision, by a 5-4 majority, suggests that patent holders of components of higher life forms have found way around this barrier. This decision does an apparent end run around the prohibition against planting higher life forms by finding patent infringement in cases where a non-licensee possesses a whole that contains a patented part. This effectively provides a monopolistic protection of the whole to patent holders of the part, even though such patents are not permitted under law."

Tags:monopoly, organic, canada, profitability, class-action

Abstract
The paper describes how since the stock market crash of October 29, 1929, and the subsequent economic depression, the United States Congress has wrestled over protecting the public from unethical business practices, while preserving the ideals of the capitalist market system. The paper asserts that beginning in 1911, the separate states enacted securities laws called "blue sky" laws. The paper explains that the name arose from the belief that the people who sold securities were so unethical that they would sell building lots in the blue sky in an effort to dupe the public. However, the paper discusses how these laws were only valid in the states; once a transaction crossed state lines, there was no enforcement at the federal level.

From the Paper
"Since the stock market crash of October 29, 1929, and the subsequent economic depression, the United States Congress has wrestled over protecting the public from unethical business practices, while preserving the ideals of the capitalist market system. Beginning in 1911 the separate states enacted securities laws called "blue sky" laws. The name arose from the belief that the people who sold securities were so unethical that they would sell building lots in the blue sky in an effort to dupe the public. However, these laws were only valid in the states. Once a transaction..."

Tags:securities, class, actions