Abstract
This paper explains that the Oracle at Delphi was one of the most important oracles in Greek culture because, not only did the Oracle evaluate most of the important actions by Greeks and their governments, but also the temple and its grounds served as a location for festivals, games and many other cultural events. The author points out that the Oracle at Delphi supported Apollo, one of the most important and powerful Greek gods, which attracted worshipers and consultants from all over the world. The paper related that the Oracle, who commented on battles, political decisions, governmental laws and social issues, had more influence than many of the most important rulers of the time.

From the Paper
"Apollo's sphere of influence of the Greeks is legendary and well documented. According to Burkert, Apollo's sphere of influence included prophesizing or divination. Zeus clearly differentiated between Apollo and Dionysus, his other son, giving Dionysus reign over the erotic, or initiation spheres, effectively separating their duties and responsibilities, while he watched over both equally. In addition, Apollo's worshipers stretched from Sicily throughout the sphere of Greek influence, and more than one city or town was named for the god. In fact, there is at least some evidence that Apollo ..."

Tags:pythian, apollo, tourist, influence, commentary

Abstract
The paper discusses forecasting, one of the major management functions. The paper examines the benefits of forecasting for companies operating in an ever-changing business environment. The paper discusses how good forecasts help management teams asses risks and develop long-term strategies. The paper focuses on the Delphi method of forecasting, which is a group decision process. The Delphi method is used for environmental, marketing and sales forecasting.

From the Paper
"Initially, the Delphi method was focused on obtaining a consensus regarding the predictions, similar to the Panel Consensus. Future developments emphasized on structuring and discussing diverse opinions of the preferred future. Discussions and the revelation of good arguments are the primary aim of the present method, rather than focusing on the output. This is the main difference from the method of Panel Consensus. The Delphi method deals with separate views on the probable / preferable future as separate cases, whereas Panel Consensus aims at leveling all opinions to the majority's. The two techniques can work together at different stages of the process. "

Tags:panel, consensus, classic, theoretical, linear, model, technical, analysis, Box-Jenkins, methodology

Abstract
This paper illustrates a comparison between the second scenario of Harrison-Keyes (H-K); a scenario that showed poor planning and implementation and an absence of effective leadership, to other companies that have faced similar issues: Apple Inc., Blackwell Publishing, Delphi Pharma, and Toyota. There is an addendum at the end of this paper that depicts original synopses. The paper also describes the failures in leadership, failure to establish high performance teams and to motivate upper management, and failure to create a shared vision as the major issues in the H-K scenario. The paper concludes that risk management steps were not taken, causing the H-K executive team to become reactive versus proactive in mitigating issues; but, With a strong project management program, H-K will be able to be successful in future projects with less risk of failure.

From the Paper
"Apple Inc. and Harrison-Keyes can be compared for leadership skills. Apple Inc. and Harrison-Keyes are comparable since Steve Jobs and William Guardo are new CEO's that have come into a company in disarray. Harrison-Keyes is behind on their set goals for the e-book project. Harrison-Keyes has replaced their CEO just as Apple. At Harrison-Keyes, Mr. Guardo is at a point where he must make decisions about product lines, marketing campaigns, and worker efficiency. Apple faced the same issues. When Steve Jobs took the job as CEO of Apple, he also faced decisions concerning product lines, marketing campaigns, and worker efficiency."

Tags:project, management, program, risk, issues, vision

Abstract
This paper examines the fiscal analysis and various facets of General Motors, including the sale of the General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC) and the Delphi situation. This paper also reviews the new long term General Motors strategy which involves shifting production to locations outside America, to China in particular.

From the Paper
"Consumer fears regarding GM are nothing new. Consumers are not blind to the losses that GM has been taking, totaling 10.6 billion for last year alone. Though recently dealerships have been taking the hit as well. An internal GM sales record for the area of Chicago shows that in October of 2005, the total sales made up only 12% of the companies monthly goal. The report also showed almost no sales for the Pontiac, Buick, and GMC dealers, Chevrolet making up almost all of the dismal 12%. Many dealers are having a hard time getting by at all, like Allan Gilmour, a Ford-Chrysler dealer. "The dealership would normally sell fifty vehicles a month, but could only manage seven vehicles this month" says Gilmour. Dennis Doerge of Loren Buick-Pontiac states that it's "the worst I've seen in thirty years" and that consumers "are scared to death to buy".
Potential investors have similar feelings on buying stock with GM. Fitch ratings has lowered GM into "Below-investment" status, and Moody's Investors Service also lowered GM's investment rating. Dropping credit ratings and falling stock prices are making stock and bond holders uneasy with the thought of not being paid on time and in full. One reason for the lower ratings of GM's credit is the companies dependence on Delphi, it's main supplier of parts. Delphi itself declared bankruptcy in October of 2005, and many investors feel that GM's dependence on a struggling supplier of vital parts can do no good for the consumers view of GM.
Delphi broke off from GM in 1999, but it still has the power to drive GM into the ground, and many fear this is how GM will enter bankruptcy. Delphi has very recently showed interest in eliminating it's union contract with the UAW through a bankruptcy judge. Once the contracts are voided, Delphi would proceed to cut workers hourly wages by 40%. On top of the huge wage slash, a reorganization plan would shut down 21 of its 29 American factories and lay off 8,500 salary paid workers. If Delphi drops the contracts, the UAW has already agreed to strike against all Delphi plants."

Tags:delphi, economics, gm, delphi, shareholders, bankcruptcy

Abstract
This paper explains that one of the most important components of any successful business is the ability to make effective decisions regarding the future; this allows the business to anticipate sale,s thus gearing their business components toward these changing sales figures. The author points out that one of the most important assumptions of business forecasters is that the past acts as an important guide for the future, but this presents a problem in times of uncertainty. The paper states that both the Delphi technique and time series forecasting are valuable forecasting tools in the right circumstances. The Delphi technique is useful for short term forecasts; therefore, it is often a more valuable tool for business forecasting during conditions of uncertainty.

From the Paper
"Sony Corporation, along with many other large and small businesses, uses business forecasting techniques to predict future sales. The Sony Corporation of America is the American subsidiary of Tokyo's Sony Corporation. The company manufactures information technology, audio, video and communication products for both professionals and consumers. The company had over $62.3 billion in consolidated annual sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003, with $20 billion in sales in the United States (Sony Corporation of America). Given these impressive sales figures, business forecasting plays an important role in Sony's corporate strategy."

Tags:Delphi, time, series, uncertainty, strategy, tool

Abstract
This paper discusses General Motors Corporation's recent financial difficulties led by its former parts divisions, Delphi, falling into bankruptcy, poor sales due to high gasoline prices, and finally its recent announcement that it is being forced to restate its 2001 financial filings with the SEC. The paper then compares these events to Ford Motor Company's very similar situation with its former parts division, Visteon, recently reporting a $200 million quarterly loss following a financial bail out of Visteon by Ford.

From the Paper
"GM Business Report A recent news article from Reuters announced that General Motors (GM) is restating its 2001 financial statements after it was previously announced that the company is being investigated by the SEC(Chakravorti, 2005). Following, as it does, the announced bankruptcy of Delphi, GM's former parts division and its largest provider of parts currently, this news only complicates and worsens an already bleak financial and performance assessment of the company. This news is certainly very negative for GM. GM finds itself already strapped with 111,000 unionized workers who, if laid-off or otherwise placed off the assembly line, still receive 95% of their base wages (Newman par.4) and legacy costs per vehicle at an approximate $1,600 (Beucke, et al, 2005, para.3). These situations combine to have a debilitating effect on GM's overall performance from both ends of its product cycle. "

Tags:gm, ford, delphi

Abstract
This paper discusses the current situation in the automotive industry and General Motors' position in the overall industry. The paper discusses GM's current troubles as well as future strategies in relation to its 2004 annual statement. The paper further examines GM's future move into the China market and the possibility of a bankruptcy due to Delphi's recent bankruptcy.

From the Paper
"The automotive industry in the US is currently under assault from several different threats simultaneously. The most obvious threat to continued sales and profitability are the increasingly high fuel prices that are exacerbating most energy related or energy-reliant industries. Siddiqi claims that lower reserves combined with higher fuel consumption could permanently raise the cost of gas (2005). Since US automotive manufacturers have long resisted the move to more fuel efficient vehicles, preferring instead to produce and market its gas guzzling SUVs, a permanent rise in fuel costs would doom that high margin product line and severely weaken an already exposed industry."

Tags:general, motors, delphi

Abstract
This paper examines several of the many treasuries found at the sites of Olympia and Delphi. The deeper meaning of these structures is explored, including the motives behind their construction.

From the Paper
"During the eighth century B.C., conditions in Greece contributed to a sense of Panhellenism among the various poleis. There was a general increase in cultural unity, a phenomenon which corresponds to more intense contact with the Eastern world. Such contact would have made obvious the differences between Greek and non-Hellenic cultures. At this time, there was a rise in religious sanctuaries and festivals which, rather than being local, included all Greeks. Two of the most famous Panhellenic sanctuaries were of Zeus at Olympia and Apollo at Delphi. Festivals which were sometimes held at these sites served to enhance the individual poleis by competing against each other in various contests."

Tags:apollo, delphi, olympia, panhellenism, zeus

Abstract
This paper examines how business forecasting is a valuable tool in aiding businesses to make both long-term and short-term business decisions. It looks at how both qualitative and quantitative methods of forecasting can be highly effective, especially when applied to the correct business environment and practice. It also shows that, while many methods, including the much-used Delphi and time series methods of forecasting, are flawed, they also can provide valuable data.

From the Paper
"In this small business, more formalized methods of forecasting would not be financially viable. The cost of obtaining a Delphi analysis would far outweigh the benefits to the business. Nonetheless, the owners may be able to benefit from an industry-wide quantitative analysis of the future market for car repairs. This analysis would allow the owners to track industry changes in car repair sales. Further, an industry-wide analysis of the type of repairs, and the models of cars repaired may help this small business to predict the type of future repairs, and thus run their business accordingly."

Tags:delphi, time, series

Abstract
This paper examines how the various forecasting methods have their differences and similarities. Some are based on hard data, such as past sales figures and surveys, while another may simply use assumptions. It looks at how, with the ever changing market trends careful considerations must be given to any style of forecasting that is used and how the type of forecast method used depends on which area of the market a company is in.
Outline
Time Series
Causal Forecasting
Delphi Method
Forecast Comparisons
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The clothing industry utilizes forecasting methods that contain both assumptions and past data. Clothing styles change on a regular basis and rely on one constant, what is pleasing to the public's eye. Over the past few decades clothing styles focus on the amount of skin that is reviled and how the cloths show off the body's figure. Many people feel that wearing a certain outfit they saw in a magazine or commercial will look just as good on themselves. In other words: the clothes make the person. Some people believe that people who are obese or have very bad skin should not be wearing garments such as mini-skirts, plunging neck lines, shorts or mid-drifts. "

Tags:time, series, causal, delphi