Abstract
This paper looks at the development of a web application sales programme for Discount Components, a company that sells computer components at discounted prices in order for them to sell their merchandise on-line. It shows how the idea was to use Java servlets and the incorporation of JavaScript into the code as well as a connection to an Oracle database as opposed to an Access database.

Outline
Introduction
System Description
UML
Current Status
What Was Learned
Summary

From the Paper
"Any data entered into the application is verified using JavaScript, and the screen's that are displayed are in HTML format. The way that we have set up the code, this application could be used generically for any company with merchandise. All of the lists, and displays are created directly from the hard drive, nothing is hard coded into our programme. This gives the application added functionality, and salability when bringing it to other companies in the future."

Tags:html, internet, access, web, javascript

Abstract
This paper describes the operations of business operations. The author relates strategic changes such as selling Mervyn's. The paper reviews challenges the company faces in both the short term and long term in competition with Wal Mart and others.

From the Paper
"Target Corporation operates Target-brand general merchandise discount stores and an online business Target.com. As of November ..., the Company operated stores in ... states. The Company also has distribution centers in ... states. The Company's discontinued operations include Mervyn's a middle-market promotional department store located in states in the West, South and Midwest, which was sold in September ... and Marshall Field's a traditional department store located in eight states in the Upper Midwest, which was sold in July...."

Tags:Case study, Target Corporation, value proposition, Wal Mart, product differentiation, growth model

Abstract
This paper traces the development of the J.C. Penney Company, an American department store chain founded in 1902, from its origin in Kemmerer, Wyoming, to its expansion into one of the most powerful discount merchandise and general retail companies in the U.S.A. J.C. Penney has stores in nearly every major metropolis nationwide, the largest catalog business, an Internet store and home furnishing television shows; however, the author states, Penney is not immune from the effects of the economic down turn. The paper describes the ways that this company is managing by rethinking its current structure and market campaigns, by opening and closing stores and by laying off employees.

Table of Contents:
Recent History of J.C. Penney
Success at the Turn of the Century
Economic Woes for the Corporation
J.C. Penney in the Market

From the Paper
'Although the company exhibits much higher grosses after buying out a number of smaller corporations, the profit J.C. Penney experiences after selling those corporation's products under its own name are not as great, as much of the earnings are due to the manufacturers and original corporations. In addition, the recent economic woes have also taken a serious toll on the J.C. Penney organization, as consumers are not as plentiful as they were just a few years ago. J.C. Penney continues, however, to offer new products, and merge with older companies."

Tags:competition, discount merchandising, shopping malls, store closings, brand

Abstract
Analysis of the competative position of the Internet retailer of designer fashion brands at discounted prices. Sales policy. Upscale merchandise and competative strategy as an outlet for factory seconds, rejects & closeouts. Company database & need for improvement to site , megators & keywords. Recommendations for changes. 1 Table.

From the Paper
"Competitive Position
Bluefly, Inc. is an Internet retailer of designer fashion brands at discounted prices. According to its 10K (April 2, 2001), the company sells over 450 brands of designer apparel, fashion accessories and home products at discounts that typically range between 25% and 75% off comparable retail prices. This business model resulted in activity, quoted from the 10-K as
In the 12 months of calendar year 2000, we offered over 55,000 different types of items for sale in categories such as men's, women's and children's clothing and accessories as well as house and home accessories. Since its inception, www.bluefly.com has served over 185,000 customer accounts in over 20 countries.

The operation as described achieved these results in the Fiscal Year ending December ..."

Abstract
This paper examines the large store discount general merchandise market through the comparison of Target Corporation and Wal-Mart Stores. The paper is packed with facts and statistic on the corporations' investments, bank loans and markets. The paper's author asks the question of which company is best to invest in and who is the better employer. This paper is written in outline format with a clear and direct method of presenting information.

Table of Contents

The Large-Store Discount General Merchandise Market
Investment Decisions
Lending Decisions
Employer
Overview Of Target Corporation and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc
Investment Decisions
Employment
Appendix
Bibliography

From the Paper
"Outline
1. The companies being analyzed are Target Corporation and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. They are general merchandise retailers. They compete in the large-store general merchandise market, especially in the discount store segment and the US geographic market.
1.1. Target Corporation's Store Brands in multiple formats are Target, Super Target, Mervyn's, Marshall Field's, Target Direct and Target Visa. Target operates 1409 stores in 47 states in the United States and is currently the No.3 discount retailer in the US market.
1.2. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc has several Store Brands: Wal-Mart currently operates 2295 Wal-Mart Discount Stores; 1521 Supercenters; 564 Sam's Clubs and 34 Neighbourhood Markets in 9 countries outside the US - Argentina; Brazil; Canada; China; Germany; South Korea; Mexico; Puerto Rico; United Kingdom. Wal-Mart is today the world's largest retailer (and company measured by revenue) and occupies the No.1 position in the US General Merchandise Retail Market."

Tags:large, store, discount, general, merchandise, employment, investment, investor, information, us

Abstract
This paper discusses Wal-Mart's history, innovative business principles, and its use of information technology to gain a competitive advantage. The paper also discusses strategies, such as geographic location, inventory management, operations, hub and spoke distribution network, and analyzes the research and development of Wal-Mart's computer system. Also included are conclusions as to why it is considered one of the world's most innovative companies and how Wal-Mart uses R&D money to make it more successful, as well as one of the world's leading discount retail stores.

From the Paper
"Sam and James Lawrence (Bud) Walton opened the first Wal-Mart store in 1962, in Rogers, Arkansas. Soon after, the chain of Wal-Mart stores spread across America and abroad to become one of the most successful and innovative retail companies in the world. The company offers customers brand name products at low prices and makes a profit that has allowed it to grow and expand at an extraordinary pace over the last forty years. Wal-Mart's success is primarily attributable to the organization's culture, use of information technology, and the philosophies under which they operate. This paper will discuss Wal-Mart's history, innovative business principles, and its use of information technology to gain a competitive advantage. Also included are conclusions as to why it is considered one of the world's most innovative companies."

Tags:mass, merchandising, operations, mclane, company, pharmacy, auto, service, jewelry, divisions, retailer

Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) and the discounted cash flow (DCF) model in valuing common stock. The paper holds that, because of the complexity and importance of valuing common stock, the above techniques have been devised over time to accomplish this task. It points out that CAPM focuses on inputs to calculate stock prices that are external to the firm while the DCF model focuses on internal factors. Also, CAPM is concerned with growth rate, while DCF is concerned with estimated returns. The paper concludes that both models are important to investors and expanding companies.

From the Paper
"For a firm that is expanding, it is difficult to establish a proper growth rate for the DCF. If past growth rates in earnings and dividends have been relatively stable, and if investors appear to be projecting a continuation of past trends, then the growth rate may be based on the firm's historic growth rate. However, if the company's past growth has been abnormally high or low, either because of its own unique situation or because of economic fluctuations, then the growth rate has to be estimated in some other manner."

Tags:stocks, investment, stock, market

Abstract
In this case study, the author examines the history of Kmart from its humble beginnings to how it blossomed into one of America's largest discount stores today. Particular attention is drawn to the marketing skills of the Kmart stores in attracting all of the different communities it serves. The paper concludes with additional suggestions of how to improve Kmart's marketing to the wider communities.
A Brief History
The Key To Success: Connecting With Cultures
Another Key To Success: Connecting With Communities
Recommendations For Improving Intercultural Communication

From the Paper
" In August 1998, Kmart announced Giselle Blondet, co-host of Despierta America, Univision's lively early morning entertainment program, would debut as the Kmart Pharmacy spokesperson in two new television commercials targeting Hispanic mothers. A new commercial promoting the fun, Sesame Street children's clothing line, also debuted, targeted for Hispanic mothers, through children. (Kmart Debuts New Commercials Touting Convenience And Fun For Hispanic Moms 1)."

Tags:merchandise, cultural, promoting, customers, audience

Abstract
This paper explains that, in inflationary times, LIFO users will report higher cost of goods sold and, hence, less taxable income than if they used FIFO. The author points out that the system of LIFO has the potential to encourage merchandise to pile up in warehouses, and most countries outside the U.S. largely reject it as an option for public companies. The paper relates that Wal-Mart and Target, both year-round, discount, retail operations not subject to seasonable flux or to the dangers of perishable goods, use the LIFO accounting methodology.

Table of Contents
The Impact of the Financial Statements
The Impact on the Firm's Current Ratio
The Method Used by the Company's Major Competitor or the Industry as a Whole
Does LIFO Make Sense for this Company?

From the Paper
"When calculating an inventory under the FIFO method, the inventoried goods sold are the oldest produced or purchased by the company. LIFO uses the opposite method. Instead, the inventoried goods sold are the goods most recently produced or purchased. LIFO suggests that companies always want to sell their newest inventory, even if they still have old stock sitting around. Lofton points out that "LIFO's a very American answer to the problem of inventory valuation," because in times of rising prices, it can lower a firm's taxes through generating figures of lower taxable income."

Tags:wal-mart, target, warehouse, tax, public

Abstract
The paper defines the Wal-Mart supply chain organization, including its current accomplishments and challenges. The paper discusses the corporate-wide roles of Wal-Mart's supply chain operations including their strategies regarding radio frequency identification (RFID) implementations in warehouses worldwide and their commitment to collaborative advanced planning and scheduling. Wal-Mart's supply chain operations are often called best practices in logistics and supply chain operations and a comparison is provided showing their performance relative to other global leaders in this area. The paper presents a cost/benefit analysis of the Wal-Mart supply chain as a basis for suggesting further improvements. Finally, Wal-Mart's ethical considerations with streamlining their supply chain are explored.

Outline:
Introducing Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart's Supply Chain Today
How Wal-Mart Is Defining Supply Chain Best Practices
Ethics and Wal-Mart
Supply Chain Recommendations for Wal-Mart

From the Paper
"As the largest mass merchandiser in the world, Wal-Mart's work in supply chain execution, research, and policies defines best practices for the broader high volume retailing industry worldwide. Wal-Mart is comprised of three operating segments including the Wal-Mart stores, Sam's Club and the International Stores. As of 2005, Wal-Mart operates 1,350 discount stores in all 50 states. The typical Wal-Mart discount store as 50 departments or more and a few are offering groceries in addition to apparel, fabrics, stationery and books, shoes, house wares, hardware, electronics, home furnishings, small appliances, automotive accessories, gardening accessories, sporting goods, toys, and pet food."

Tags:mass, merchandise, retailer, discount, department